Photo Radar
Strathcona County believes that photo radar, working with partnership with education, engineering and traditional manned speed detection, promotes safe driving habits in our community. Photo radar will be set up at or near (but not restricted to) the locations listed on the photo radar locations page.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about photo radar:
Is photo radar automatic or is it under control of the operators?
Are all photo radar operators employed by Strathcona County qualified in the province of Alberta?
How does photo radar work?
How do you make sure the photo radar is functioning and accurate?
How are the photo radar enforcement sites selected?
Where are the photo radar locations in Sherwood Park?
How much are the photo radar tickets?
What other use does photo radar have?
Does photo radar really help reduce collisions?
Why doesn't the County just use laser (manned) radar instead of photo radar?
Who is in charge of the photo radar program?
Does photo radar violate privacy?
Will the registered vehicle owner receive any demerit points?
Where does the money from photo enforcement go?
What was the total cost of photo enforcement tickets?
Who can I call if I have a question about my ticket?
Is photo radar automatic or is it under control of the operators?
Under Alberta Legislation, photo radar is operated under the supervision of an attendant at all times. The unit is tested before and after each operation. Each violation is reviewed by the operator for accuracy and other related variables.
Are all photo radar operators employed by Strathcona County qualified in the province of Alberta?
Yes. There has never been a lapse in the photo radar operators' qualifications. These qualifications can be reviewed through the Solicitor General website.
How does photo radar work?
As a vehicle enters the radar beam, the frequency of the reflected radar signal is calculated to measure the speed. If the speed exceeds the preset tolerance, the system sets off an audible alarm and takes a photo. The operator makes notes pertaining to traffic movement and other pertinent details.
How do you make sure the radar is functioning and accurate?
The photo radar operator tests the equipment before each operation. The equipment used to verify the accuracy of the radar are called tuning forks, and these are certified annually. The radar is tested again at the end of each shift to ensure the system is working correctly.
How are the photo radar enforcement sites selected?
All sites are selected according to the guidelines set out by the Province of Alberta, in relation to high collision locations, citizen complaints, school zones, playground zones and construction zones. These areas can vary from a side street to main multi-lane traffic areas. Many of these locations are routinely monitored to prevent repeat offences. Photo radar is used to monitor high-density traffic areas, and areas not normally monitored because either it is not possible by conventional means, or is too dangerous.
Where are the photo radar locations in Sherwood Park?
Photo radar will be set up at or near (but not restricted to) the locations listed on the photo radar locations page.
How much are the photo radar tickets?
Photo radar ticket fines range from $57 to $351. Motorists caught driving 50 km or over the speed limit results in a mandatory court appearance.
What other use does photo radar have?
Photo radar also collects data on traffic flow and density. This information can be used by Strathcona County engineers to better design roadways and ensure the integrity of traffic signal device.
Does photo radar really help reduce collisions?
There is both anecdotal and statistical data that shows photo radar is effective in reducing speed which contributes to reducing collisions and injury rates. Photo radar is a tool in the County’s Traffic Safety Strategic Plan to improve driving behaviour in Strathcona County.
Why doesn't the County just use laser (manned) radar instead of photo radar?
Strathcona County believes that safe driving habits can be achieved through the use of education, engineering and various speed detection tools. Laser (manned) radar and photo radar examples of speed detection tools. Each of these methods have unique advantages. For example, photo radar is a safer alternative to monitor speed in high traffic areas that can be dangerous for officers to stand on the roadside with a laser (manned) radar device.
Who is in charge of the photo radar program?
Photo radar is administered by the Traffic Supervisor for Strathcona County Enforcement. In coordination with the RCMP and the County’s engineers, he reviews proposed sites and directs the operators to those locations.
Does photo radar violate privacy?
No. By obtaining a licence, motorists agree to abide by rules governed by the Traffic Safety Act. Motorists are not be observed or documented. Photo radar takes an image of a vehicle's rear licence plate only - not its driver or occupants. The process has been reviewed by various Privacy Commissioners to ensure photo radar does not violate driver privacy.
Will the registered vehicle owner receive any demerit points?
No, photo radar violations do not carry any demerits.
Where does the money from photo enforcement go?
Definitions
Provincial Retention - Victim Assistance Fund – Provincially-funded Victim Assistance Programs.
Provincial Fine Retention – Province’s portion held for their costs in processing tickets.
Photo Enforcement Contract - County pays a contract company to supply and service photo enforcement equipment, supply manpower for photo radar vans and process film.
Photo Enforcement Advertising - Advertising Photo Enforcement sites.
Photo Enforcement Processing - County Staff - Review photos and prepare tickets, prepare documents for court (unpaid or contested tickets).
R.C.M.P. & Enforcement Services Operations - Photo Enforcement revenue is used to fund the general operations of the R.C.M.P. & Enforcement Services Department therefore reducing the cost for tax payers. In 2010 Photo Enforcement covered 9.75% of the general operating expenses of the R.C.M.P. & Enforcement Services Department (over and above the cost of Photo Enforcement). This equates to a tax savings of approximately .86%.
Note: Starting in September 2011 the province will be charging an additional $15/per licence searched.
What is the annual revenue for Strathcona County from photo enforcement tickets?
In 2010, after paying into the Provincial Victim Assistance Fund ($412,700) and paying the Provincial Fine Retention fees ($462,300), Strathcona County received $2,400,430 from paid enforcement tickets. This includes fines for photo radar as well as red light and speed detection cameras.
What is the County’s cost of operating photo enforcement?
The following figures are from 2010:
Photo Enforcement Contract $893,770
Photo Enforcement Advertising $1,000
Photo Enforcement Processing, County Staff Costs $122,000
Total 2010 Cost to County for Photo Enforcement: $1,016,770
Who can I call if I have a question about my ticket?
Call 780-449-0171 to discuss any questions you have about your photo radar ticket.
Further information
780-467-7741
info@strathcona.ca
Last updated: Thursday, July 21, 2011
Page ID: 7990