Regina’s red light cameras need replacing: report

REGINA – The committee tasked with looking over Regina’s red light cameras wants to spend almost $100,000 more per year to operate them.

The extra cost, roughly $24,000 multiplied by four cameras, would fund replacement of the current analog cameras with digital versions.

One reason cited in a report to city council is that Regina’s current cameras aren’t working all that well.

A new report says digital cameras would provide clearer images of vehicles blowing through red lights, and therefore, more convictions.

Last year, the total revenue generated was more than $530,000.

From 2000, when the program was introduced, until 2010, less than half of violations resulted in a ticket being issued.

Beyond that time, the numbers are unclear because two of Regina’s four cameras are currently not working.

The report also proposes the city expand the program to six new locations, which have been identified as high-risk intersections: McCarthy Blvd. & Sherwood Dr., 11th Ave. & Winnipeg St., Elphinstone St. & Victoria Ave., McIntosh St. & Sherwood Dr., 23rd Ave & Hillsdale St., 6th Ave. N & Albert St.

The city says red light cameras do make intersections safer over a long term.

Other ideas put forward include rotating cameras through a variety of intersections and improving signage at intersections.

Global News reached out to the Red Light Camera Committee, which includes representatives from the city of Regina, Regina Police Service, but no one was available for comment.

The red light camera program’s future is expected to become more clear at next week’s city council meeting.