As a part of the solution to help reduce high speeds, Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE), also known as photo radar, is utilized in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. ATE can be found at any location in the Urban Service Area of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. All entrances to the city have permanent signage identifying that the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo uses photo enforcement. There are additional photo enforcement signs posted throughout the city.
ATE Update for September 18
For the week of September 18, the following locations will be the sites of the week:
- Parsons Creek Drive
- Confederation Way
- Millennium Drive
- Silin Forest Road
- Ross Haven Drive
While ATE operators will focus on the areas listed above, they may move around to other approved locations within the Urban Service Area.
Automated Enforcement Traffic Plan
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Automated Traffic Enforcement Report 2022 and Plan 2023
Active Intersection Safety Devices
At this time, the following two intersections have an Intersection Safety Device installed:
- Thickwood Boulevard and Silin Forest Road
- Thickwood Boulevard and Real Martin Drive
Automated Traffic Enforcement map
Frequently Asked Questions
| How many intersections are approved for Intersection Safety Devices? |
There are seven intersections that are approved for Intersection Safety Devices. These ensure vehicles follow posted speed limits. The following locations are approved to have Intersection Safety Devices:
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| How many intersections have an Intersection Safety Device installed? |
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At this time, the following two intersections have an Intersection Safety Device installed:
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| What is the Automated Traffic Enforcement system (ATE), also known as Photo Radar in our community? |
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The Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) refers to the mobile enforcement unit or Photo Radar vehicle that may be present anywhere within the urban service area. Site locations are updated weekly on this website. However, the vehicle can move to any approved location at any given time during the week. |
| Why do we use an Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) system? |
| ATE makes streets safer by reducing the number of vehicles speeding, running red lights and not stopping at stop signs. Vehicles committing these violations are significant contributors to motor vehicle collisions.
ATE is meant to compliment traditional uniformed enforcement, not replace it. |
| How do you determine where ATE (Photo Radar) vehicle will operate? |
All locations are approved by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) using the following guidelines:
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| What does the municipality do with the revenue generated from fines? |
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The net proceeds from Automated Traffic Enforcement (Photo Radar) fines (fines less the cost of the administration of the program) go directly into the Community Initiatives Reserve. These funds get disbursed through the Community Investment Program to non-profit organizations within the RMWB for much needed community-based programming. |
| Has there been an increase in cameras installed at intersections in our community? |
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There has not been an increase in the number of approved camera locations within the urban service area. However, there has been an increase in signage within the urban service area to ensure public awareness of photo radar use in the community. |
| Isn't there a provincial moratorium on new photo radar equipment in the province? |
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Yes, there is a moratorium on new photo radar equipment in the province as the Government of Alberta and municipalities work together to refine rules for radar site selection, operational restrictions and data collection. However, this freeze does not apply to photo radar equipment purchased or locations approved prior to December 1, 2019. Exceptions may also be requested from Justice and Solicitor General. The RMWB awarded the contract to Global on October 8, 2019, which means that the change to the Automated Traffic Enforcement technology being used in RMWB was accepted prior to the freeze. |
Photo radar locations
Abasand |
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Beacon Hill |
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Dickinsfield/ Wood Buffalo |
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Downtown/ Waterways |
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Gregoire |
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Highway 63 |
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Parsons Creek |
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School Zones |
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Thickwood |
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Timberlea |
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DriveSafe Intersection Safety System locations |
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