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Photo radar nets Sask. cities nearly $2M in 2015

Apr 1, 2016 | 2:52 PM

For the past year, the province has watched dollars roll in from photo radar tickets. Now cities with the speed enforcement cameras are starting to reap the benefits.

The two-year pilot program allocates a portion of ticket revenue to municipalities for traffic safety projects.

Total revenue for the period of March 8 to Dec. 31, 2015 was nearly $2 million, according to SGI.

The City of Regina generated the most revenue, taking in almost $1.2 million.

Saskatoon received $488,000 and Moose Jaw picked up $436,000.

Highway locations – Highway 12 near Martensville and Highway 1 between Pilot Butte and White City – recorded a loss of $235,000. 

Since revenue from tickets written on a highway goes to SGI, not the nearby municipality, the loss is covered by the Crown insurer.

“The goal of the program is not revenue generation, but to reduce injuries and fatalities,” SGI said in a statement.

“A reduction in injuries and fatalities could also lead to a reduction in claim costs, which in turn could translate into premium savings for Saskatchewan motorists.”

The City of Saskatoon said the new funding source is a welcome addition.

Angela Gardiner, the city’s transportation Branch manager, said the money goes into Saskatoon’s traffic safety reserve to fund various transportation projects in the city.

“We have a $10-million list of sidewalks that need to be built,” said Gardiner.

“If it’s approved, we will be able to fast track some of those projects to get them implemented sooner.”

Gardiner said some of the other traffic safety projects on the books this year include disability ramp repairs, bicycle facilities, pedestrian safety enhancements and initiatives identified from the neighbourhood traffic reviews.

Total revenue from the photo speed enforcement pilot program in 2015 was approximately $8.4 million.

SGI said the revenue for municipalities came from what’s left after expenses, administration costs and $2.1 million for the victims of crime fund.

bbosker@ckom.com
On Twitter: @Brentbosker