Alberta to launch anti-speeding campaign following 'deeply concerning' surge in fatal collisions in Edmonton
On April 1, Alberta followed through with its promise to slash 70 per cent of photo radar sites across the province. The decision was met with mixed reviews from municipalities and law enforcement officers who said speed cameras were a critical traffic safety tool to deter speeding.
As of July 31, the Edmonton Police Service recorded its 21st fatal vehicle collision so far this year. According to police, speed is believed to be a factor in a collision that killed a 25-year-old man.
In a statement to Postmedia, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said speeding is a 'serious and preventable danger' and the province will be working with police and municipalities to address it. He said the government will launch its province-wide campaign to deter speeding and reckless driving at the end of August.
'The number of fatal collisions in Edmonton this year is deeply concerning, and my thoughts are with the families and communities impacted by these tragedies,' Dreeshen said.
'In addition, we continue to work with local law enforcement on targeted enforcement strategies to catch and deter unsafe drivers.'
At the end of May the province launched a $13 million traffic safety fund. Municipalities can apply for funding to invest in road safety measures including digital speed signs, intersection upgrades, better lighting and pedestrian safety improvements.
Dreeshen said no municipal government has applied for funding but he has heard regularly from police about the need to find ways to design roads to be safer.
The City of Edmonton announced effective July 1 it would be eliminating photo radar in schools and playgrounds to focus on permanent safety upgrades like speed bumps and improved crossings. The city said playground enforcement previously was subsidized by revenue generated from photo radar which has since been significantly reduced.
Laura Contini, acting safe mobility director at the City of Edmonton, said in a statement to Postmedia that the city will continue to use crash and speed data to monitor 'emerging driver behaviour changes' since the province decided to slash the majority of photo radar in Alberta under its new automated traffic enforcement technology guideline.
'As the city operates under the new Government of Alberta guideline, the city will be determining what actions, approaches and resources may be required to help address resulting gaps and support our continued commitment to Vision Zero, which may include applying for the Government of Alberta's $13 million traffic safety fund,' Contini said.
Under the guideline, municipalities can request an automated enforcement site be approved for locations that have a significant crash history, but are otherwise prohibited. Contini said the city is still working with the province to determine requirements for news sites and details of the traffic safety fund.
Edmonton's speed collection data will be available in early 2026.
ctran@postmedia.com
X: @kccindytran
Related
'Absolutely concerned': Edmonton mayor, councillors react to Alberta photo radar plan
City of Edmonton ends school photo radar, citing costs and issues beyond speeding
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