Company will implement photo radar at no cost to town council

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

It will not cost the Town of High Prairie one penny to implement the use of photo radar in the community.

Council did not make a decision after hearing about the device from Smile Tech Ltd. representative David Steer at its meeting Jan. 22 but councillors seemed divided on the issue during discussion. Mayor John Brodrick said council should keep all the revenue from speeding tickets rather than share with Smile Tech while other councillors seemed to favour photo radar citing safety.

"If (Special Const. Brad Foote) issued tickets the Town would get more revenue," said Brodrick, "and he has to be there anyway."

The photo radar unit Smile Tech was promoting is one set up inside a vehicle. The device must be operated by Foote or a Smile Tech employee deputized by council.

Steer played a video for councillors citing the benefits of photo radar. It has been proven to decrease speeding and increase safety in areas where implemented.

Steer agreed with the video's claim that photo radar saves lives and is not a cash cow as many view it.

If implemented, the photo radar unit in High Prairie would not be a permanent installation. The $600,000 photo radar unit would be placed in a parked vehicle that "is essentially unnoticeable" said Steer. The device could be rotated to various sites in town at council's wish.

Steer added photo radar must be advertised in the way of signage and ads in South Peace News.

"The sites must be registered with Alberta Justice and approved," he added. "The locations must be advertised in the paper."

Photo radar is rock solid when it comes to convictions, said Steer.

"Only one to two per cent of people take it to court," he said.

Steer added the best aspect of photo radar is there is no cost or risk to council.

"You wouldn't have to budget any money," said Steer.

However, if Smile Tech was not making money they would reserve the right to end the agreement.

Of the fine revenue generated, Alberta Justice takes 20 per cent with the remaining profits after administrative fees being split between Smile Tech and council.

"You (council) would be paid monthly," said Steer.

Steer said his company required a five-year agreement with council before proceeding.

Council received Steer's presentation for information and did not reach a decision on the matter. It will be discussed at a later meeting.

The matter was brought forward a few weeks ago by Dumont because he wanted to curb speeding on Railway Ave. and Pleasantview Drive.