Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld has publicly expressed his concerns about the Alberta government’s plan to crack down on photo radar use in the province.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Chief Neufeld stated that while he understands the government’s desire to address public concerns about photo radar, he believes that the proposed changes could have negative consequences for road safety.
The Alberta government has announced that it will be implementing new rules for photo radar, including a ban on using the technology in areas where the speed limit changes frequently, such as school zones. The government also plans to reduce the number of photo radar locations and require municipalities to report on the revenue generated from photo radar tickets.
Chief Neufeld argues that photo radar has been an effective tool in reducing speeding and improving road safety in Calgary. He points to statistics that show a decrease in collisions and injuries in areas where photo radar is used.
Furthermore, Chief Neufeld believes that the proposed changes could lead to an increase in speeding and reckless driving, as drivers may feel less inclined to follow speed limits if they know that photo radar is not being used in certain areas.
He also raises concerns about the potential loss of revenue for the Calgary Police Service, as photo radar fines currently contribute to funding for important initiatives such as traffic safety programs and equipment.
Chief Neufeld acknowledges that there have been complaints about photo radar, but he believes that these issues can be addressed through better communication and transparency from the government and police.
In conclusion, Chief Neufeld urges the Alberta government to reconsider its plans and work with law enforcement to find a solution that prioritizes road safety while addressing public concerns about photo radar.
