Initial reports show reduced speeding in photo radar zones, government says

The province says that halfway through its two-year pilot project, it has seen fewer people speeding in its photo radar zones. 

Six out of the eight zones are now reporting that one per cent of drivers are exceeding the speed limit.

The minister responsible for SGI, Don McMorris, said that initial reactions to the photo speed enforcement have been mixed, particularly around one photo radar zone on Highway 1, east of Regina. 

"People can be frustrated because the speed is so slow, especially on that number 1, [driving] east," he said. "But I also hear from people that are turning on and off of [Highway 1], saying it's much safer, it is much easier getting on and off."

As of Dec. 31, the radar zones raked in $8.4 million, according to an SGI report. When asked if it amounts to a cash grab, McMorris said the government wants more than 99 per cent of people to comply with speed limits. He said the government's aiming for safety, not money. 

"We want to see less than one per cent — we'd rather see nobody — but less than one per cent, and in a number of locations we're seeing that. In other words, our costs are greater than what we're bringing in. That's not a cash grab, that's reducing speed."

McMorris said the money raised from the fines goes toward local traffic safety, victims of crime and administration of the photo radar zones.

SGI said once the pilot project is finished, it will do an overall analysis to decide whether the radar zones reduced injuries and deaths, and whether they're worth continuing.