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Where is Photo Radar Used?
Photo radar is used to monitor school zones, high density traffic areas, and areas not normally monitored because it is not possible by conventional means, or is too dangerous.
More than half of a daily shift is dedicated to School and Playground areas. Many of the areas monitored outside of these areas contain school bus drop-off and pick-up locations. Other locations are points where students commonly cross, high density traffic roads to get to and from schools or recreational facilities.
Other places monitored are high collision areas and locations where the public has expressed concerns. These areas can vary from a side street to main multi-lane traffic areas. Many of these locations are routinely monitored to prevent repeat offences.
What other uses does Photo Radar Have?
Photo radar also collects data on traffic flow and density. This information can be used by City Planners to better design signaling and direction.
Another part of Photo Radar is public education and awareness, by participating in Crime Prevention week at the mall and other public venues, not forgetting one of the public's favorite: "Pie the Photo Radar Guy" event.
How Does Photo Radar Work?
As a vehicle enters the radar beam, it is detected and the speed is calculated. When detecting the end of the vehicle, if the speed exceeds the preset speed for that location, the system then sets off an audible alarm and takes a photo. During low light periods, a flash is incorporated to enhance the photo.
What Other Equipment Does the Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit Use?
Other equipment, such as the Speed Trailer will be used to assist in educating the public and as a preventative speed reducing tool.
0800 - 0930
1130 - 1330
1500 - 1630
0830 hrs until 1 hour after sunset
Photo Radar commenced operation August 28, 1997. Photo Radar policy and procedure was developed to ensure responsible use of this technology. The Medicine Hat Police Commission endorsed the philosophy that Photo Radar, working in unison with education and engineering, comprise the three essential components in traffic safety, and will ensure safe streets in our community.
There is both anecdotal and real statistical data that shows Photo Radar is effective in reducing speed which contributes to reducing collisions and the injury rates.
The Photo Radar locations are posted daily on the radio stations and in the local paper. A yearly report is complied and sent to the Alberta Justice for review.
The intent of speed limits is to identify a safe and reasonable limit for a particular section of road in consideration with road conditions.
The most widely accepted method is to set the limit at a speed which 85% of the traffic is moving at or below. This reflects the safe speed as determined by a large majority of the drivers. Research has shown that this "85th percentile" speed is the speed where accident involvement is the lowest. Reducing the limit below that 85th percentile will probably be detrimental to safety.
For example: 1000 vehicles are monitored for a given location. The speed limit is posted at 80 km/h. Eight hundred and fifty vehicles (85%) are traveling at 96 km/h or slower; one hundred and fifty vehicles (15%) are traveling at 97 km/h or higher. The hundred and fifty vehicles would receive violation notices for speeding. They are considered to be the top 15% of 1000 vehicles monitored.
Establishing the speed tolerances for the different speed zones is for the data collected by our Photo Radar Unit and only the top 15% of the speeding motorists will be issued violation tickets. The purpose of the photo radar is to target the worst drivers and the Province of Alberta has accepted the 85th percentile and above to ensure fairness and consistency when deploying photo radar.
The members who coordinate the Photo Radar operations have recently had their designations changed from Special Constables to Community Peace Officers level 2 in accordance with the new Peace Officer Act which came into force May 1, 2007. Each member is trained in the theory and practical application of photo radar. Additional in-service training is provided on presenting evidence in a professional manner for court trials.
If, for any reason, you have a problem with your photo radar ticket, please contact Community Peace Officer John Hunter at 529-8484 or Unit Manager Bill Sharpe at 502-8921 or attend the Medicine Hat Police Service building at 882 Ash Ave S.E., Monday to Friday Between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm to speak with either of them personally.
Bill Sharpe
Manager, Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit
I assumed the role of Manager in February 2007 after retiring from the Medicine Hat Police Service with 25 yrs of service. While serving the community as a Police Officer, I spent time in Patrols and the Forensic Identification Unit. In 2003, I was promoted to Sgt and became the NCO in charge of the Forensic Unit. I finished my career as a Team leader in the Information Processing Unit. I was a member of the Ceremonial Drill Team and former member of the Explosive Disposal Unit.
As Manager of the Unit I am responsible for all of its activities. My main role is offence processing to ensure quality control of every offence notice that is issued.
Community Peace Officer (Sgt.) John Hunter
Site Manager, Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit
I spent 32 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineer. I then spent 6 years working at the Suffield Range Control Safety Office and security guard at gates for EnCana Oil and Gas Company as a Commissionaire. I have worked as a part-time Photo Radar Operator since 2002, and took over the daily running and operations of the Unit in 2003. I have been trained in both the Gatso and the Multanova Photo Radar systems and have been a Special Constable since 2002. I am presently in charge of the operations and site locations, as well as assisting with the day to day operation of the Unit.
Community Peace Officer Mark Clare
Photo Radar Operator
I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1977 and was an Electronic and Teletype Technician until 1996. I then spent from 2004 to present working full-time as a Photo Radar operator for the Medicine Hat Police Service. I have been trained in both the Gatso and the Multanova Photo Radar systems and became a Special Constable in 2004.
Community Peace Officer Dale Manley
Photo Radar Operator
I spent 22 years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I have been employed with the Photo Radar Unit from 2004 until present day as a Photo Radar Operator for the Medicine Hat Police Service. I have been fully trained in the Multanova Photo Radar system and became a Special Constable in 2004.
Community Peace Officer Paul Scott
Photo Radar Operator
I moved to Calgary in 1999 from Nova Scotia where I managed an Irving Service Station. I moved to Medicine Hat to be closer to my wife’s family. I joined the Photo Radar Team and became a Special Constable in 2006. I am fully trained in the Multanova Photo Radar System.
Community Peace Officer Daniela Evans
Photo Radar Operator
I immigrated to Canada in 1998 from Germany. I joined the Corps of Commissionaires in 2002. I spent the first four years working at Suffield in the range control safety office and gate guard for EnCana Oil and Gas. I became a casual in the Photo Radar Team in 2006 and became a permanent member in April 2007. I am fully trained in the Multanova Photo Radar System.
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