SGI shares $2M in photo radar revenue with Saskatchewan communities

A total of 78 Sask. communities will receive funding for safety upgrades like speed signs and crosswalk improvements. Wayne Mantyka reports.

SGI is once again sharing photo radar revenue with communities across Saskatchewan. Every six months, the revenue is split after operating costs are covered and the provincial government takes its share. This time, $2 million will be distributed to 78 communities.

“Projects are typically focused on our major contributing factors to fatalities and injuries, projects like distracted driving, speeding,” said Troy Corbett, the director of traffic safety and community engagement with SGI.

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The largest grants, $100,000 each, are going to Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, where photo radar cameras are located and where most fines are paid.

Saskatoon plans to use its funding to install a pedestrian crossing device at Avenue B and 33rd Street. Regina will spend its share on driver feedback signs and LED school zone signage, while Moose Jaw will invest in thermoplastic crosswalk lines.

“The enforcement activity changes driver behaviour and that’s what the program is focused on is reducing speeds,” said Corbett.

Photo radar has been the subject of debate in other provinces. In November, Ontario banned photo radar after Premier Doug Ford described it as a cash grab.

The Ontario government has since committed to funding traffic safety measures directly. In Ottawa, 87 per cent of drivers were complying with school zone speed limits while cameras were in place.

That figure dropped to 50 per cent last week after the cameras were removed, with enforcement now reverting to police-issued tickets.

In Saskatchewan, the government says there are no plans to end the use of photo radar.

Officials maintain the program has helped calm traffic and reduce injuries on roadways throughout the province.