Calgary Police Issue Over 10,000 Speeding Tickets in First 10 Weeks of 2026
Calgary police have reported issuing more than 10,000 speeding tickets from January to mid-March 2026, a rate equivalent to approximately one ticket every 10 minutes. This enforcement surge comes amid growing concerns over worsening traffic safety in the city, prompting law enforcement and municipal partners to intensify efforts aimed at curbing reckless driving behaviors.
Alarming Statistics on Excessive Speeding
Among the 10,493 tickets issued during this period, 123 were for vehicles traveling more than 50 km/h over the speed limit, averaging more than one such violation per day. According to recent data, 30 percent of these tickets were officer-issued, while the majority resulted from photo radar and automated camera systems. Notably, over 300 officer-issued tickets were specifically handed out in construction zones, highlighting targeted enforcement in high-risk areas.
Traffic Safety Trends and Fatal Collisions
Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward of the Calgary Police Service emphasized that traffic safety remains a top priority, yet the situation shows little improvement. "Currently, we’re trending in the wrong direction," he stated during a recent press conference. So far in 2026, police have responded to 10 fatal collisions, with speed believed to be a factor in four of these incidents.
Historical data reveals a persistent issue: in 2025, there were 38 fatal collisions, with speed implicated in 15 cases, while in 2024, 10 out of 29 fatalities were linked to speeding. Woodward urged motorists to adopt safer practices, noting, "The majority of collisions are preventable. They come from poor choices — driving too fast, glancing at your phone, ignoring traffic lights and signs. These choices can have deadly consequences."
Enforcement Challenges and Policy Changes
Despite speed and distracted driving being cited as leading contributors to traffic incidents, the overall number of speeding tickets has declined in recent years. In 2025, 99,873 tickets were issued, down from 210,447 in 2024. This drop is largely attributed to provincial restrictions on automated traffic enforcement implemented in April 2025, which led to the removal of speed-on-green cameras.
However, the city has since received provincial approval to restore speed-on-green enforcement at five high-risk intersections. Additionally, while tickets for speeds over 50 km/h above the limit decreased from 1,004 in 2024 to 870 in 2025, numbers have generally trended upward over the past five years, indicating ongoing challenges.
Collaborative Efforts for Safer Roads
Woodward expressed confidence in the partnership with the City of Calgary on the Safer Mobility Plan, which aims to reduce harm on roadways through improved design and targeted interventions. "We want to remind everyone that traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility," he said, acknowledging the frustration over lack of progress but highlighting continued commitment to the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
As enforcement efforts ramp up, authorities are calling for public cooperation to enhance road safety through responsible driving behaviors and adherence to traffic laws.
