For those with a lead foot you may want to get it checked, because you may be getting a gift in the mail whether you like it or not.
Traffic safety officials have recently denied the public the right to information regarding the total number of people issued photo radar tickets for going less than five kilometres over the speed limit in Edmonton.
So when you are driving in and out of the city, be wary of the potential for a surprise in your mailbox a few days later.
An article in the Edmonton Journal called “City won’t say how many photo radar tickets issued for speeds less than 10 km over the limit” says that the people of Edmonton feel the city officials have changed a policy with no public consultation.
The article says “revenue from photo radar tickets pays for safety awareness activities including signs advertising the new 30 km/h school zone speed limits,” dated Nov. 12, 2014, and other safety items such as conferences, crosswalk signs, and so on.
Most of those who receive a ticket in the mail pay the fine and move on, however at least five to 10 per cent challenge the ticket and take it to court.
“Up to five out of every 10,0000 tickets is successfully challenged in court and the ticket cancelled,” the article says.
With cameras flashing with every km over the limit, it is difficult for those with a heavy foot to travel from point A to point B without suffering the consequences.
A petition is floating amongst the World Wide Web and has been signed by over 20,000 individuals who are against the idea.
According to another article in the Edmonton Journal called “No change in photo enforcement policy, traffic official says” dated Oct. 14, 2014, many of those who signed the petition see this as a “cash grab.”
Several critics have stepped up to say their due diligence in regards to the photo radar issue, and according to the Edmonton Journal, they were starting a revolution.
However, the Mayor of Edmonton quickly put them to rest and said that the radars are simply used for safety purposes, and to accumulate more revenue.
According to stats, 12,403 drivers received tickets for driving between six and 10 km/h over the limit in 2013 alone.
So whether you are rushing to the airport to catch a plane, or heading to relatives for Christmas dinner, keep an eye on the speedometer, because you would hate to find a Christmas gift from Edmonton’s Traffic Enforcement System.
