Watch above: Mounting opposition may put the brakes on photo radar plans
SASKATOON – Photo radar was supposed to be up and running in Saskatoon by August, but it looks like the program should now be in operation by the end of November.
That’s according to a new report to the transportation committee, which will be reviewed by the committee Monday.
There’s still a little confusion amongst city councillors about the photo radar program. They want a voice in making the final decision on where the cameras will be set up and when.
“One of the things that I’m going to be talking about at the committee is that I think it’s actually appropriate that city council does make a final decision on this and that we do have that opportunity to weigh out what’s being proposed and considered,” said Ward 6 Councillor Charlie Clark, chair of the transportation committee.
“I think there’s been some confusion about exactly whose responsibility this program is and what the approval process should be.”
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Police Chief Clive Weighill said he assumed that council was aware of what was going on.
“Apparently it’s not that way, so we’ll make sure they’re well versed with what the police service is advocating.”
The cameras are a provincial initiative, funded by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and backed by the Saskatoon Police Service.
If implemented, photo radar will be set up in two phases. The first is expected to start in a couple of weeks with five rotating locations on circle drive:
- Airport Drive
- Circle Drive South Bridge
- Preston Avenue
- Taylor Street
- 108 Street
The second phase doesn’t have a timeline yet, but includes school zones:
- Michael Community School
- Ecole Henry Kelsey School
- Brownell School
- Ecole Canadienne-Francaise
- Mother Teresa School
Clark does not agree with the province implementing school zone cameras and thinks it’s a cash grab.
“I’m a little concerned that we could end up with it becoming just, sort of going fishing in a school zone and gaining a lot of revenue from that.”
Ward 2 Councillor Pat Lorje thinks the whole program isn’t needed and would rather see more officers patrolling the roadways.
“I’ll be putting my budget before city council here in December and hope that she’ll be supportive of our increases,” added Chief Weighill.
“I welcome city council to look at this, debate it and see whether or not they’re supportive of it.”
If caught speeding on Circle Drive, a ticket will cost $110, plus one dollar for every kilometre over the speed limit. In school zones, the fine is $190, plus two dollars for every kilometer over the 30km/h limit.
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