SGI says it's not tricking Saskatoon drivers with fake camera boxes

SGI is denying allegations that it is using fake camera boxes to trick drivers into slowing down. A post circulating on social media accuses SGI of making decoy photo radars.

But SGI says that is not true. Shannon Ell, manager of traffic safety at SGI, said all of the photo radars are used at some point in the year. But the Crown corporation, along with police officers decide which location to deploy them.   

"To be looking for a different box, kind of defeats that purpose. We need people to ensure, to know that they're in a speed photo enforced zone and to slow down in that zone."

CBC found a photo radar box that does not currently have a camera.

Ell said even though there is no camera, it is still a working photo radar spot.

"It's a special box, it's got some heating in it, it's got some cooling so the camera doesn't overheat in the summertime and stays warm in the winter," Ell said. "Tricking, if you want to use that word, has never been part of the program at all."

SGI says it believes the photo radar program is working to deter drivers from speeding.

CBC contacted the Facebook group Saskatoon traffic camera location, but has not heard back yet.