report for city council september 17, 2002...

Agenda Item No.: F.1.b.

Traffic Violations.

Recommendation:That the Mayor send the attached letter to the Province of Alberta in support of changes to the Traffic Safety Act (Attachment 5).

Report SummaryThis report provides a recommendation for the City to consider in relation to the use of red light cameras for speed violations.

Previous Council/Committee ActionAt the July 8, 2002, Community Services Committee meeting, the following motion was passed.

That the June 10, 2002, Edmonton Police Service report be referred to the Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Police Commission and Traffic Liaison Committee to bring back recommendations that the City might consider in relation to the Highway Traffic Act, use of red light cameras for speed violations and the new 20% surcharge that the Province of Alberta keeps.

ReportThe Province of Alberta is currently working on the Traffic Safety Act. This Act will combine the current Highway Traffic Act, the Motor Vehicle Administration Act and several other Provincial Statutes. There have been recommendations from municipal police forces, the RCMP, Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research, Capital Health and other agencies that the fines in the new Act be increased considerably to encourage compliance with the Rules of the Road. It is recommended that the City take a similar

stand in supporting an increase in fines in the new Traffic Safety Act.

Studies have shown that 69% of serious injury collisions and 45% of fatal collisions occur in intersections. The annual cost in property damage is $25 million and health care costs are immeasurable. It is imperative that enforcement be stepped up at intersections. As with red light violations, conventional enforcement cannot be safely used at or near high-risk intersections. Unmanned speed enforcement is the safest, most cost effective way to reduce speed through intersections and reduce collisions.

The red light cameras in use by the Edmonton Police Service have the technology already in place to monitor the speed of vehicles passing through the intersection. Unlike photo radar, the speed measurement is done by means of a time/distance calculation as the offending vehicle passes over wire loops placed in the road. The Edmonton Police Service recommends that the attached letter be endorsed by City Council and forwarded to the Province. City Council’s support of Automated Speed Enforcement should help convince the provincial government to amend legislation to allow the use of this technology, thereby increasing the safety of Edmonton streets.

The Province of Alberta levied a 20% surcharge on all Highway Traffic Act offences as of April 1, 2002. It is clear this matter was instituted without consultation with the municipalities. This raises significant concerns, as the municipalities are still perceived as receiving the revenue,

Routing: Community Services Committee, City CouncilDelegation: Inspector M. Derbyshire, Sergeant Tom BellWritten By: Sergeant Tom BellAugust 16, 2002 Edmonton Police ServiceFile: 2002POPC10 ( of 2)

Traffic Violations.

when in fact the 20% is collected by the Province. The Edmonton Police Service recommends that the issue of revenue generated from traffic fines is a matter that should be addressed by the different levels of government.

Justification of RecommendationCity Council’s approval of a letter for Mayor Smith’s signature will reinforce to the Province a commitment to traffic safety in Edmonton. Automated Speed Enforcement at intersections is the safest and most effective way to proceed.

Background Information Attached1. Letter of support from Chief of Police

Bob Wasylyshen,2. Letter of support from Chair Neil

Wilkinson, Capital Health,3. Letter of support from General Manager

Rick Millican, City of Edmonton Transportation and Streets Department,

4. Letter of support from David Finlay, Chairman of the Edmonton Police Commission,

5. Draft Letter for Mayor’s signature.

( of 2)

Attachment 1

Letter of Support from Chief of Police Bob Wasylyshen

Attachment 1 - Page 1 of 2

Attachment 1

Letter of Support from Chief of Police Bob Wasylyshen


Attachment 2

Letter of support from Chair Neil Wilkinson, Capital Health


Attachment 3

Letter of support from General Manager Rick Millican, City of Edmonton Transportation and Streets Department


Attachment 4

Letter of Support from David Finlay, Chairman of the Edmonton Police Commission


Attachment 5

Draft Letter for Mayor’s Signature

Honourable Heather ForsythSolicitor General320 Legislature Building10800 – 97AveEdmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6

Dear Ms. Forsyth:

Since December of 1999, the Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton Transportation and Streets Department have been conducting speed surveys at various intersections in Edmonton currently equipped with red light cameras. This evaluation of vehicles speeding through intersections on either green or amber lights has revealed some disturbing findings, and I am concerned about the inherent safety factors.

There is a pressing need to take action against motorists who choose to ignore posted speed limits and endanger the lives of others as they speed through intersections. Collisions at intersections account for 68% of all collisions in the city of Edmonton and 43% of all traffic related fatalities. Data presented to City Council from the Edmonton Police Service’s Traffic Section clearly conveys that the deployment of enforcement technology in Edmonton has had a significant impact on driver behaviour, reducing violations and improving safety, even though traffic volumes continue to rise.

A recent survey shows that 90% of Edmontonians support the use of red light cameras. This survey also showed that 75% of the people supported the use of red light cameras to enforce speed limits at intersections.

As you know, “Speed on Green” technology exists and would enable police to safely enforce speed limits at these locations. Technological enforcement constitutes a proven and effective means by which scarce tax dollars can be allocated effectively to address policing issues.


Attachment 5

Draft Letter for Mayor’s Signature

At present there is no statutory authority in Alberta allowing the use of automated speed enforcement without an operator being physically present. I strongly urge you to consider the positive public safety implications that a change in legislation would bring to the citizens of Edmonton and all Albertans.

On behalf of the citizens of Edmonton, your support in this important public safety matter would be appreciated. I look forward to continuing our co-operative working relationship.

Yours truly,

Bill SmithMayor

c: Members of City Council


report for city council september 17, 2002...

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