Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit

Photo Radar FAQs

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.

School Zone Times

0800 - 0930

1130 - 1330

1500 - 1630

Playground Zones

0830 hrs until 1 hour after sunset

Other Information
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.

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.