Speeding and serious collisions are rising sharply in Edmonton following the Alberta government's crackdown on photo radar, according to a recent city report. The prevalence of vehicles traveling more than 20 km/h over the limit has increased by 134% over the past year, while traffic fatalities reached 32 in 2025—the highest in a decade. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are disproportionately affected.
Collision and Speeding Statistics
The city report highlights a 38% increase in drivers receiving multiple red light tickets in 2025 compared to 2024. Although overall collisions have declined due to neighborhood safety improvements, crashes resulting in death or serious injury are up. The majority of fatal accidents occur on high-volume, high-speed arterial roads and major intersections.
Traffic safety inquiries to Edmonton's 311 line have climbed more than 150% in recent years, and a resident survey confirms growing concern that roads have become more dangerous since the pandemic. Alberta's high insurance costs further reflect this trend.
Impact on Vision Zero Goals
Edmonton's Vision Zero initiative aims for no deaths or serious injuries by 2032, but the city is now drifting in reverse. According to Keith Gerein, the crackdown on photo radar has contributed to the backsliding. The province's restrictions limited photo radar use, reducing enforcement and emboldening aggressive driving.
Factors such as increased construction, technology distractions, inadequate snow clearing, and fewer police on traffic duty also play a role, but the photo radar restrictions are a key driver. As Gerein notes, "Speed and carnage are rising on Edmonton's roads," and the absence of photo radar has made the city pay a higher cost in lives and safety.
