Devin Dreeshen Unveils Sweeping Changes to Address Concerns Over Revenue Generation
In a landmark announcement today, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, unveiled significant changes to Alberta’s automated traffic enforcement programs, specifically targeting the controversial use of photo radar. The move aims to address concerns raised by Albertans and reshape the narrative around photo radar from revenue generation to traffic safety.
Mayor Jeff Acker of the City of Spruce Grove commended the provincial government for engaging municipalities in discussions about their data and the role of automated traffic enforcement in ensuring community safety.
Minister Dreeshen, during his address, acknowledged the divisive nature of photo radar in Alberta, emphasizing the need for change. He highlighted the findings of a recent survey indicating that 60% of Albertans believed photo radar primarily focused on revenue generation, with 73% stating it did not improve driving habits.
The crux of the announcement centered on identifying and eliminating what Minister Dreeshen referred to as “fishing holes,” specific locations designed to generate substantial ticket revenue without necessarily improving traffic safety. One such location, Ray Gibbon Drive, issued around 1,500 tickets quarterly, generating approximately $200,000 in revenue every three months.
To put an end to these perceived “fishing holes,” the Alberta government is implementing several key changes:
Ban on Photo Radar on Provincial Ring Roads: Photo radar will be banned on provincial ring roads to eliminate lucrative locations focused on revenue generation rather than traffic safety.
Extended Freeze on New Equipment and Locations: The freeze on municipalities purchasing new photo radar equipment and designating new sites, instituted since 2019, will be extended until December of next year.
Redeployment of Photo Radar to Sensitive Areas: Existing photo radar sites on provincial ring roads will be redeployed within cities, focusing on sensitive areas such as school zones, playgrounds, and construction zones. Edmonton may see up to 22 new sites, while Calgary may have eight, all geared toward improving pedestrian safety.
Minister Dreeshen assured that the government is committed to working with 26 municipalities using photo radar to eliminate fishing holes and refocus on safety. The ongoing consultation will involve comprehensive data analysis, looking beyond just speeding issues and including accident rates and collision data to ensure the redeployment is strategically aligned with safety priorities.
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) expressed support for the changes. RMA Vice President Kara Westerlund acknowledged the critical role of photo radar in rural areas and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate on a strategic approach that prioritizes safety while addressing municipalities’ financial concerns.
Deputy Mayor Karen Principe of the City of Edmonton emphasized the city’s commitment to road safety and pledged continued collaboration with the provincial government and law enforcement to achieve safer roads.
The announcement concluded with a Q&A session, where Minister Dreeshen responded to inquiries about the province’s role in setting photo radar policy and the empirical measures used to define “fishing holes.” The minister stressed the importance of collaboration between the province and municipalities to create safer roads and acknowledged the ongoing debate on the appropriate role of photo radar in enhancing traffic safety.