The Manitoba government has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive review of the photo enforcement system in the province.
“Our government’s priority is to keep Manitobans safe on roads,” said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler. “This review will assess how photo enforcement is used, where it is used and whether or not it is improving road safety. As the current legislation has been in place for 17 years, it is time for us to evaluate the system to see if it’s working and where we can make improvements.”
Legislation to enable stationary and mobile photo enforcement came into force in 2002 and the first camera in Manitoba was introduced by the City of Winnipeg in 2003. Winnipeg remains the only municipality in Manitoba to use photo enforcement. The program was designed to help keep streets safe by enforcing posted speeds on Winnipeg roads; drivers who keep vehicle speeds within posted speed limits do not activate the photo equipment.
The review will look at the policy, legislative and program frameworks respecting photo and non-photo enforcement activities, but with a specific, comprehensive evaluation focus on the efficacy of photo enforcement in meeting stated road safety objectives.
The minister noted the review is part of Manitoba’s overarching Road Safety Plan and the province’s vision for safe speeds.
“One of the plan’s key principles recognizes that speed is a fundamental factor in the severity of a crash,” said Schuler. “Photo enforcement is intended to reduce speed violations, and therefore a review of it within the context of all speed-related enforcement programming is timely to ensure that it continues to support this goal.”
The province will immediately issue a request for proposal to conduct the review. The review is expected to take four months to complete once a vendor is selected and could lead to changes in Manitoba law that will improve road safety, the minister noted. Through the review process, the province will seek input from key stakeholders, such as municipalities, enforcement agencies and other interested parties.
Review findings will inform a final report with options and recommendations to help government make decisions on the future of photo enforcement and road safety in Manitoba.
