Photo radar expansion coming this summer, Sask. government says

An expansion of photo radar is among a series of Saskatchewan traffic law changes coming into effect in a few months.

Photo radar, a system where the owners of cars caught speeding are automatically ticketed, is already in effect in certain highway construction zones.

But as early as June 27, when the new rules kick in, it will also be used in school zones and at several heavily used sites the government deems "high risk."

Those sites include Circle Drive in Saskatoon, the intersection of Highway 1 and 9th Avenue in Moose Jaw, and the Ring Road in Regina.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance has released more details about how the program will work:

• For the new locations, there could be multiple deployment points.
• The devices could be deployed anywhere along the high-risk corridors.
• Any speed above the posted limit could result in a ticket.
• There will be posted signs indicating where photo radar is in effect.

The expansion of photo radar is a pilot project, so it could result in more widespread use once the trial period is over. 

Cellphone rules get tougher

Another change that's coming into effect on June 27 is a provision that drivers caught using their cellphones twice in a year can have their vehicles seized for up to seven days.

The way impaired drivers are treated by Saskatchewan Government Insurance is also changing.

Instead of the current 30 day licence suspension, new drivers caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will face a 60 day licence suspension and will have their vehicle seized for three days.

Other changes coming into effect this summer include:

• Convicted impaired drivers will have to pay to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicles for a minimum of nine months on a first offence, and up to five years on subsequent offences.
• Booster seats will be mandatory for children under seven years of age, less than 145 centimetres (4 feet, nine inches) in height and under 36 kilograms (80 pounds) in weight.
• New motorcycle riders and their passengers will be required to have their arms and legs covered, wear gloves, ankle-covering boots, and either an approved three-quarter, modular or full-face motorcycle helmet.