The Automated Traffic Enforcement Program (Laser Photo Enforcement) was implemented in Whitecourt in June, 2009. The intent of the program is to reduce speeding and running red lights, resulting in safer roadways and streets with fewer fatalities and injuries.
This video was taken at the intersection of Highway 43 and 51 Street in Whitecourt. A truck drives through a red light, puttting the lives of the pedestrian and dogs at risk. This intersection is one of the identified high-collision locations that is monitored by Laser Photo Enforcement. Since the implementation of Automated Traffic Enforcement, collisions have decreased significantly at this location: from 13 collisions in 2007, 12 collisions in 2008, to 4 collisions in 2009 and 4 collisions in 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is it decided where Automated Traffic Enforcement will be set up?
A: Site selection is not random. All sites are selected according to the guidelines set out by the Province of Alberta. Criteria for site selection include:
- High-risk locations, where the safety of citizens or police officers would be at risk through conventional enforcement methods
- High-frequency locations, where data indicates motorists are ignoring or breaking traffic laws on an ongoing basis
- High-collision locations, where data indicates a greater frequency of property damage, injury or fatal collisions
- High-pedestrian volume locations, where data indicates a high volume of pedestrian traffic
For more information on site selection, please visit the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Automated Traffic Enforcement Guidelines.
Q: Someone else was driving my vehicle at the time of the offense. Why did the ticket come in my name? Are there any demerit points with this ticket?
A: The Registered Owner of the vehicle is charged; not the driver. There are no demerit points with the ticket, and it does not affect your insurance or driver's record.
Q: Who are the automated traffic enforcement operators?
A: Laser operators are Whitecourt Community Peace Officers who are community members. Global Traffic Group is the contracted third party that provides the equipment, training and technology to produce tickets on behalf of the Whitecourt Community Peace Officers.
Q: What is laser photo enforcement? Isn't it the same as photo radar?
A: Laser Photo Enforcement is vehicle specific allowing for the targeting of speeders even in heavy traffic situations using a laser with pin-point accuracy; whereas photo radar generates a beam that is not as vehicle-specific.
Q: Is there someone I can call if I have a question about my Automated Traffic Enforcement speeding ticket?
A: You may call the Photo Enforcement Call Centre at 780-396-8814 or visit the Global Traffic Group's website at www.globaltrafficgroup.com. If you have been charged with a red light violation, you may view the video of your offence at https://www.viewoffences.ca/Violation.aspx after entering your ticket number, license plate number and MVID number.
Facts and Figures
To ensure all elements of the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program are focused primarily on community safety initiatives, the Town of Whitecourt has a Safe Community Initiative Policy. Please see Policy # 72-024 for details.