Unable to rely on photo radar to curb dangerous speeding, Edmonton city council has taken a new approach. On Wednesday, councillors voted unanimously to direct Mayor Andrew Knack to lobby the federal government and all regulators to make speed limiters mandatory on all non-emergency vehicles.
Why Speed Limiters?
Speed limiters are mechanical, electronic, or digital devices that cap a vehicle's maximum speed. They are already used in many jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and the European Union, with limits ranging from 80 km/h to 250 km/h. In Edmonton, e-bikes and e-scooters already have speed caps.
While limiters can be removed or disabled, courts typically hold drivers liable if a vehicle is modified to bypass the system.
Background on Speeding Problem
Since photo radar restrictions were introduced, extreme speeding has surged. A University of Alberta study conducted with the city found that the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h or more has increased by 128 percent—more than double. The study attributed this rise directly to the removal of photo radar.
So far this year, Edmonton police have issued 239 tickets for driving 50 km/h or more over the limit. Police reported that speed was a factor in 22 percent of fatal collisions and 12 percent of serious injury collisions in 2026. Last year, 32 people died in car accidents involving excessive speed.
Council Comments
“Driving is not a right, it is a privilege. I think we forget that,” said Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz. “We’re spending millions of dollars in taxpayer money to try and make our roads safer. If you want to buy a racecar to go to the racetrack, go do that.”
Other Safety Measures Considered
Earlier this month, during an urban planning committee meeting, Ward pihêsiwin Coun. Mike Elliott—a former police officer—suggested requiring road testing every five years for all drivers and trialing smart traffic lights that turn red when approached at excessive speeds. Former Edmonton police chief Dale McFee has publicly called for the power to seize vehicles travelling 50 km/h over the limit. Insurance companies are also starting to require drivers to share GPS travel data through telematics systems.
Jurisdictional Responsibilities
Ottawa has authority over mandatory vehicle devices for street legality in Canada. The province controls driver assessment frequency and available traffic enforcement tools for police.
Does Speeding Save Time?
Studies repeatedly show that speeding within a city saves at most a few minutes, as drivers still must stop at traffic lights, and it burns more fuel. The only exception is on open highways where speeding for long periods might yield marginal time savings.
