Information regarding automated speed enforcement (photo radar)
Automated speed enforcement (photo radar) is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to detect and capture images of vehicles travelling in excess of the posted speed limit. It is focused on altering driver behaviour to decrease speeding and increase safety, and is designed to work in tandem with other methods and strategies, including engineering measures, education initiatives and traditional police enforcement.
Below is a timeline of activities related to photo radar, including provincial procedure/regulation announcements & next steps for Haldimand County:
May 2017
- The province passed Bill 65, the Safer School Zones Act, which provided the necessary legislative framework for automated speed enforcement.
December 2019
- The necessary regulations amending the Highway Traffic Act were passed allowing the use of automated speed enforcement by municipalities.
- Photo radar can now be used in designated School Zones and Community Safety Zones, both of which need to be established through municipal by-laws.
- The Ministry of Transportation will be providing additional details in the near future to clarify the types of automated speed enforcement technology that may be used by municipalities and a description of enforcement procedures for any resulting Provincial Offences Act charges.
2020
- Staff will report back to Council in 2020 on the use of automated speed enforcement in school and community safety zones as well as associated fiscal, operational and administrative impacts.
2021
- Based on the need to address fiscal, operational and administrative impacts it is expected that photo radar will be available for deployment in the County in 2021.