The provincial government is restricting the use of photo radar and is putting the onus on municipalities to justify where photo radar can be deployed.  

According to the province, the changes will ensure photo radar is primarily used for traffic safety and not revenue in an effort to “enhance accountability and transparency.” 

Starting in April 2022, the province will implement restrictions on photo radar use in transition zones and residential roads with speed limits of less than 50 kilometres an hour. These restrictions will not apply to school, playground, or construction zones. 

Double-ticketing within five minutes will be eliminated, and a mandate requiring all photo radar enforcement vehicles to be clearly visible will be implemented. 

In addition, municipalities will be required to provide rationale and data to justify photo radar locations.  

“Photo radar should only be used for traffic safety – not as a cash cow to squeeze extra money from Albertans,” said minister of justice and solicitor general Kaycee Madu. 

Alberta Transportation and the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General will work directly with municipalities and law enforcement agencies on the new requirements. Municipalities will have one year to enact the changes. 

A freeze on automated traffic enforcement implemented in 2019 will be extended until Dec.1, 2022, to allow municipalities to implement the changes. The freeze prohibits municipalities from installing new photo radar equipment, upgrading existing photo radar devices or adding new photo radar locations.