Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit

Photo radar is used within the City of Medicine Hat to monitor school and playground zones, high density, high collision traffic areas, and areas not normally monitored because it is not possible by conventional means, or it is too dangerous. Other locations have been established due to public concern.  These locations can vary from side streets to multi-lane traffic arteries. 

All new photo radar sites are established in accordance with the Provincial government’s Automated Traffic Enforcement Guidelines.

The unit utilizes two vehicles to monitor the various photo radar sites throughout the City.   One of the vehicles is mainly dedicated to monitoring speeds within school and playground zones. 

The speed limit in school zones is 30 km/h unless otherwise posted and is in effect on school days from 8 am to 4:30 pm unless other times are posted. 

The majority of schools in Medicine Hat are also signed as playground zones.  The speed limit in a playground zone is 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted and is in effect from 8:30 am to one hour after sunset.

The unit also utilizes a safety messaging trailer to provide information to the public on the safe operation of motor vehicles and as a preventative speed reducing tool.  Anyone interested in providing input on future safety messages to be displayed on the safety messaging trailer or identify road safety issues that are of concern to them are encouraged to provide their input.

How photo radar works: The photo radar system consists of a low powered Doppler radar antenna, a high speed traffic camera with flash unit, a main processing unit and a control unit.  When a vehicle travels through the radar signal the difference in the reflected radar signal is measured and a speed is calculated.  If the speed is greater than the set trigger speed the camera takes a picture of the rear of the offending vehicle.

In Medicine Hat we have experienced some significant improvements to road safety within our photo radar locations.  Although it would be impossible to conclude that photo radar enforcement is solely responsible for the reduction in motor vehicle collisions, the statistics indicate that photo radar as part of our total road safety plan, has contributed to a positive improvement in road safety within our city.  Of course an effective road safety plan involves an integrated approach which includes Patrols, our Traffic Response Unit and Specialized Traffic Enforcement to provide education about the safe operation of motor vehicles and enforcement of traffic laws.

Contacts:

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.