Alberta
New Photo Radar rules will move radar sites from freeways to school zones

Protecting drivers from photo radar fishing holes
Alberta is changing photo radar rules to ensure the focus is on traffic safety, not revenue generation.
Many Albertans have expressed growing frustration with the purpose and use of photo radar. To respond to these concerns, Alberta’s government implemented a pause on new photo radar equipment and locations on Dec. 1, 2019.
After receiving data from across the province, Alberta’s government is taking the first step of banning photo radar on ring roads in Calgary and Edmonton starting Dec. 1. At the same time, Alberta’s government will be engaging with municipalities and law enforcement over the next year on removing all “fishing hole” locations across the province. Albertans can be confident that going forward, photo radar will only be used to improve traffic safety.
“Alberta has the highest usage of photo radar in Canada, and these changes will finally eliminate the cash cow that affects so many Albertans. Photo radar must only be used to improve traffic safety, and with theses changes, municipalities will no longer be able to issue thousands of speeding tickets simply to generate revenue.”
The cap on any new photo radar equipment, programs or new photo radar locations will be extended until the one-year consultation with municipalities is complete on Dec. 1, 2024. Edmonton and Calgary will have the option to redeploy the photo radar units previously used on the ring roads to areas in their cities where they have a safety impact – in school, playground and construction zones.
“I am very pleased to see this change to allow our police force to redeploy photo radar from Stoney Trail into high-risk areas in our communities such as school zones, construction zones and playground zones due to changing traffic patterns. This will result in increased traffic safety for all Calgary drivers and pedestrians.”
“Photo radar is about keeping people safe, not money. It is one tool the City of Edmonton uses to protect people on the roads. We will continue to engage with the Government of Alberta and law enforcement to ensure we are achieving the intended outcome of making our roads safer.”
Alberta’s first photo radar units were introduced in 1987 and now there are about 2,387 photo radar sites across the province. Calgary’s ring road has eight photo radar sites and Edmonton’s ring road has 22. These ring road photo radar sites can be relocated to sensitive areas. This means that Calgary can select eight high-risk areas and Edmonton can select 22 high-risk areas to redeploy these sites.
“I am pleased to see this change will focus on using Automated Traffic Enforcement as a tool in the toolbox to improve traffic safety and driver behaviour, as we have done in Spruce Grove. We look forward to the upcoming consultation on this topic.”
“I am happy to see this important change to ensure that photo radar is focused on driver safety rather than revenue generation. This one-year consultation with municipalities will support Albertans by clearly identifying where the need for traffic safety improvements are most necessary in our communities.”
Quick facts
- Photo radar generated $171 million in 2022-2023.
- Traffic fine revenue is split between the province and municipalities, with the province receiving 40 per cent and municipalities receiving 60 per cent.
Related information
Alberta
Alberta Provincial Police – New chief of Independent Agency Police Service

Sat Parhar has been appointed as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service, marking the next step toward a new municipal policing option.
The appointment of a new chief for the Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS) marks the next step in giving municipalities a new option for local policing and builds on the work already underway for the agency to assume the police-like duties currently carried out by the Alberta Sheriffs. The IAPS will empower municipalities to adopt strategies that effectively respond to their specific safety concerns, enhancing public safety across the province.
Chief Parhar brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including senior roles with the Calgary Police Service, most recently as deputy chief. His frontline policing experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s complex and diverse public safety landscape positions him to lead the agency as it takes shape and begins its work as a new municipal policing option, keeping communities safe.
Once operational, the agency will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police. It will help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities.
“Appointing Chief Sat Parhar is a key milestone in Alberta’s plan to give municipalities a real choice in how their communities are kept safe. This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans, strengthens local decision-making, and ensures every corner of our province, especially rural areas, can count on responsive, effective law enforcement. With his decades of experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s policing landscape, he is the right leader to bring this vision to life.”
“This appointment signifies a significant step forward in our efforts to establish a more robust, community-focused policing model that is better equipped to meet the unique needs of our local residents. Under Chief Parhar’s visionary leadership, we are confident that we will develop a modern, efficient police service that not only enhances public safety but also aligns closely with the priorities and values of Albertans. His experience and commitment are vital in shaping an IAPS that is responsive, transparent, and dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration within the community, ultimately ensuring a safer and more connected society for all.”
Chief Parhar’s immediate priorities will be to hire an executive team and commence organizational planning such as developing key recruitment, training and other operational policies. Chief Parhar’s appointment is the first step of many to establishing the IAPS.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and help shape a modern police service built for Alberta. My focus from day one will be on setting high standards for professionalism, building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring this service reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”
The Independent Agency Police Service was formally created through regulation following the passing of Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024. The agency will operate as an independent Crown corporation, and will be renamed the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, with its head office located in Calgary. The IAPS will be operationally independent from the provincial government with civilian oversight, consistent with all police services in Alberta.
“When it comes to policing, municipalities like ours deserve a choice – especially when the current system leaves us disadvantaged simply because of our size. We look forward to learning more about what that alternative will look like once an Alberta police agency is fully established and the options are clear. For us, this is about fairness, sustainability, and ensuring municipalities have access to policing solutions that reflect both their needs and their realities.”
Quick facts
- The regulation establishes the IAPS Provincial Corporation and its governance structure including board of directors, board of director powers, financial responsibilities and accountabilities.
Related news
- Expanding municipal police service options (April 7, 2024)
Alberta
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