Photo radar comes to a permanent halt

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Jan. 7, the Town of Taber confirmed that its Automatic Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program, otherwise known as photo radar, has ended.

 Town council ended its ATE contract with the City of Lethbridge, who operated the program on Taber’s behalf, as 2024 came to a close. The program’s conclusion is in line with the provincial government’s decision to end most photo radar programs.

 The Town’s news release said, “Over time, the program met with a noticeable improvement in driving behavior and fewer traffic violations being recorded, but there was also the public perception of photo radar becoming a ‘cash cow’ for governments.”

 Taber Police Service Chief Graham Abela was quoted as saying, “With ATE leaving our community, the Taber Police Service will be vigilant in enforcing driving laws and where appropriate issuing violation tickets for offences. We have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of ATE violations over the past three years and we attribute this to driving behavior.”

 The Town lowered its fine revenue expectations in recent years, ultimately reaching zero in the 2025 operating budget. “For more than five years, the Town has viewed traffic fines as neither a sustainable nor a desirable source of funding, preferring instead to focus on proactive measures to ensure community safety, and finding revenues from more reliable sources,” the release said.

 In accordance with the provincial mandate, the Taber Police Service will direct its focus on speed-sensitive areas like school and playground zones, particularly for safety of children at play or going to and from school.

 The Town will remove its photo radar warning signs, but differentiates those from the automatic speed signs that display a driver’s speed. Those signs will not be phased out. With photo radar no longer in use, TPS reminds drivers to follow all traffic laws and speed limits, especially in school and playground zones. Speeding now comes with demerit points and could affect insurance rates.