View From the Legislature

In 2002 the former NDP government passed legislation that allowed photo radar to be established at controlled intersections in the City of Winnipeg. The first red light camera was activated in 2003. Since that time, photo radar has expanded in Winnipeg from just being stationary cameras to mobile photo enforcement which can be used in school zones and construction zones. Winnipeg remains the only municipality in Manitoba to use photo enforcement.

While other municipalities do not use photo enforcement, our proximity to Winnipeg means that southeast residents will be familiar with it. When it began 17 years ago it was stated that the intention was to reduce speeding and related accidents. And while the vast majority of Manitobans are law abiding residents who want to ensure that the roads are safe for themselves and others using them, the photo radar program has often been controversial.

In the past, the use of photo radar in construction zones has been questioned, both in the public and in the courts, on the grounds that signage has been inadequate and whether the absence of workers impacted enforcement. Changes and clarification to the program where made as a result. Over the years there have been concerns that it is difficult to get complete data on whether the red light stationary cameras or the mobile cameras were meeting the intended purpose of reducing speed and related accidents. This has led many public commentators and some Manitobans to question whether the program is doing what it was intended to do. It is important that laws not only be clear and enforceable, but that they have the confidence of the public which they are ultimately intended to serve.

Our government announced late last year that, after 17 years, it is time for the photo enforcement program to be reviewed for its effectiveness. Photo radar was intended to reduce speed violations and speed related crashes and it is important to ensure that the program is meeting that goal. Therefore, a request for proposal was issued that will result in a comprehensive review being done. It will seek input from key stakeholders such as municipalities, enforcement agencies and other interested parties. It is expected that the review will take about four months to complete.

Road safety is extremely important to all of us. We want to know that our roads and highways are as safe as possible for us and for our loved ones. Ensuring that our speed enforcement programs are meeting their stated objectives is an important part of meeting the goal of safety that we all have. I look forward to sharing with you the results and recommendations from the photo enforcement review when they are complete.