Alberta is making major changes to its Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program, eliminating what critics have long called a "cash cow" and redirecting funds toward road safety improvements.
Effective April 1, the province will prohibit photo radar on numbered provincial highways and connectors, limiting its use to school, playground, and construction zones and high collision areas.
Additionally, intersection safety devices will now be restricted to red light enforcement, ending the controversial “speed-on-green” ticketing function.
Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen emphasized the intent behind the overhaul.
"We have officially killed the photo radar cash cow and the revenue-generating 'fishing holes' that made Alberta the biggest user of photo radar in Canada. The updated guideline will ensure that photo radar is used for safety only. The new provincial Traffic Safety Fund will support municipalities in physical improvements at key intersections, helping to reduce traffic risks and enhance safe roads," said Dreeshen.
To support safety enhancements, Alberta’s government has introduced a $13-million Traffic Safety Fund to help municipalities upgrade roads and intersections with proven safety concerns.
Application details will be announced once the process is finalized.
Municipal leaders from both Edmonton and Calgary praised the shift.
Edmonton councillor Tim Cartmell stated that moving photo radar enforcement to school, playground, and construction zones ensures it serves a safety purpose rather than a revenue-generating one.
Calgary councillor Dan McLean echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that protecting children and workers is a key priority.
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta also welcomed the creation of the Traffic Safety Fund. President Kara Westerlund called it "a welcome addition to the overall funding available to municipalities."
Municipalities are encouraged to implement traffic calming measures rather than rely on photo radar.
However, they may seek provincial approval for an exemption in high-collision locations by providing a business case demonstrating the necessity of photo radar enforcement. Any approved exemption will be subject to a biannual audit to assess its effectiveness in reducing collisions.
The updated ATE Technology Guideline also includes new parameters for equipment testing and maintenance, data collection and reporting, traffic safety plans, signage, and public communication of photo radar locations.
Quick Facts:
The new ATE 2025 Technology Guideline takes effect on April 1.
The Traffic Safety Fund will provide $13 million over three years:
$1 million in 2025-26
$2 million in 2026-27
$10 million in 2027-28
Alberta first introduced photo radar in 1987.
