SASKATOON – The implementation of photo radar in construction zones across Saskatchewan is imminent according to the Chair of a Special Committee on Traffic Safety.
The speed cameras will be part of a provincial pilot program aimed at slowing drivers down in orange zones.
“I understand the work zones have been picked and they’ll be starting momentarily,” said Darryl Hickie, chair of the Special Committee.
Photo radar is just one measure implemented after the death of 18-year-old Ashley Richards, killed by a speeding driver while working in a construction zone near Midale last summer.
This measure follows new construction zone signs, rumble strips and a hike in speeding fines.
“We have received a couple of complaints from construction workers in certain areas about speeders so we take them very seriously and we go and enforce those particular areas,” said Saskatoon police Staff Sergeant Tony Nadon.
“There’s still a lot of people that are speeding throughout those construction zones however with the amount of traffic that does proceed through those areas there is a lot of compliance too,” he added.
The new cameras will snap drivers speeding through certain construction zones with a ticket to follow in the mail.
Hickie says photo radar would rotate between construction sites throughout the summer, during which time authorities will monitor their success in reducing speed.
“It’s one of those measures where you’re going to research it, see what the stats show you, if it was worthwhile or not, in so much that has just the presence of it and the signage, did that deter people from speeding through work zones,” he said.
“I think that would definitely help people know their speed and slow people down,” said Nadon.
Nadon says thanks to more funding, Saskatoon police will also be rolling out additional electronic speed signs across the city’s construction zones.
“Everyone has to be patient, construction season is very long and we just have to be patient and take our turns,” he said.
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