Some photo radar changes are now in effect, what Calgary drivers need to know

On April 1, new photo radar rules came into effect in Alberta. But what do those changes really mean for Calgary drivers?

Read more: Alberta makes sweeping changes to photo radar enforcement

One of the biggest gripes for commuters is when they are dinged with a ticket when driving through an area that quickly transitions from one speed to another.

With the new changes, drivers will be given a little more time to adjust to that change in speed before they spot police snapping away.

If the speed change is 10km/h, police must not park their vehicle within 10 metres on either side of the speed change sign. If the speed change increases to 20km/h, no photo radar will be allowed within 25m on either side of the posted sign, so 50 metres in total.

Now, when that speed change jumps up to 30km/h or greater, police must give 200 metres leeway (100 metres on each side of the posted sign) for drivers to adjust.

And if getting caught in a quick transition wasn’t enough, sometimes the photo radar vehicles are near impossible to spot. But, with the changes, it could become easier to catch them parked on the side of the road.

Beginning in December, all mobile units will be required to be wrapped in yellow with the blue-coloured words “Drive-Safe” clearly visible on the front and back of the vehicle.

VIEW: An example of the new photo radar vehicle seen in Edmonton

As for how visible the vehicle actually has to be, police say there is no language in the new legislation that addresses just how visible the car has to be.

“If for example the photo radar vehicle is parked in a parking lane and a local vehicle parks behind it, the photo radar vehicle is less visible, but still compliant with the guidelines,” said Sgt. Joerg Gottschling to CityNews.

The new rules also state radar will not be allowed in school or construction zones if students or workers are not present.

Sgt. Gottschling says there are some things to note about those changes.

“The new guidelines address the need for someone (at least one worker) to be present when using automated enforcement in a construction zone,” he said.

“They also state that School Zones are only to be enforced on School days. There is no need to prove the presence of children in a Playground zone. They can be enforced during Playground Hours, which in this Province are 0830 until 2100, seven days per week.”

The province says beginning Dec. 1 it will also increase local advertising for photo radar, which includes using social media to increase public awareness.

On May 1, 2023 the province will publish an annual public report on photo radar in Alberta.