“When we brought in photo radar within the city, rather than a contractor, it was to promote safety first and foremost.”
Mayor Gerald Aalbers says citizens have told him they are appreciative that photo radar officers are visible as they perform their duties. His comments come as council rolled out policy number 250-05 the Automated Photo Enforcement policy and repealed related measures from 2017.
“The intention is to promote safety. Speeding does have an impact on people’s stopping distances, fatalities and accidents. So our goal is to reduce fatalities and accidents. That is the primary goal. But, how do you do that. There is a fine attached for breaking the law.”
The policy allows for 50 per cent of photo enforcement revenue to be placed in reserve to support safety measures in the community. Any community project meeting applicable criteria can benefit from this fund. Organisers may apply by June 30th for funding to support a project in the following year.
Aalbers says he has also heard that some people may still want an officer to write them a ticket as opposed to an automated system.
“People often say I would rather have an officer write a ticket. Well I can tell you those tickets usually have more money and have demerit points. The photo radar tickets are not quite as painful.”
The City lists some of the recent projects to benefit from this funding include:
- Pedestrian Safety Awareness        –  $ 15,000
- Electronic Ticketing                 –  $ 20,000
- Refurbish Lawn Bowling Green       –  $120,000
- Martin Browne Area Improvements  –  $ 80,000
In 2019 and 2020, $180,000 was transferred to the Reserve Fund, and for 2021, $40,000 has been deposited to date.