The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is publicly supporting a municipal initiative to reinstate photo radar enforcement within the city, with a senior officer stating the force recognizes the need to improve its approach to road safety.
Police Acknowledge Need for Improvement
This endorsement comes as the City of Edmonton moves to reactivate its automated traffic enforcement program. A police representative emphasized that the service must enhance its strategies for protecting citizens on the roads. The statement "We need to do better" directly acknowledges past criticisms and a commitment to a more effective program. The support signals a collaborative effort between municipal government and law enforcement to address traffic violations and improve safety outcomes.
Details of the Proposed Reinstatement
The push to bring back photo radar follows a period where the controversial enforcement tool was scaled back or under review. The proposed reinstatement is not a simple return to previous methods but is framed as a revised program. Officials indicate it will focus on high-risk areas, such as school and construction zones, with a goal of modifying driver behavior rather than simply generating revenue. The exact timeline and operational details for the program's relaunch are being finalized by city administration in coordination with the EPS.
Public and Political Context
The issue of photo radar has long been a contentious topic in Alberta, sparking debate over its effectiveness for safety versus its perception as a "cash cow." The Edmonton police's vocal support for the city's move is a significant development in this ongoing discussion. It places the EPS in alignment with municipal goals for traffic calming, potentially shifting the narrative around the program's intent. This move by Edmonton is being watched closely by other municipalities in the province considering their own traffic enforcement strategies.
The decision and the police backing were reported on December 16, 2025. The next steps involve finalizing the operational framework and communicating the changes to the public before the cameras are expected to become active again on city streets.
