N.B. now allows red-light cameras and other traffic-enforcement technology
Province and municipalities still have to work out cost-sharing formula
After lobbying the provincial government for more than a decade, municipalities can now legally use red-light cameras.
New legislation that took effect on Oct. 1 allows the use of such traffic-enforcement technologies. But are municipalities going to greenlight the new tools?
Representatives from Edmundston, Bathurst, Miramichi, Moncton and Saint John all said those municipalities have no immediate plans to adopt any of the now-allowed technology.
A spokesperson for the City of Fredericton said they are "always exploring new and innovative ways to improve traffic safety." But, said Elizabeth Fraser, the city is planning to wait for "finalized regulations" from the province before forging ahead.
Fredericton Coun. Bruce Grandy has been a longtime advocate for installing red-light cameras. Between he and former councillor Stephen Chase, the city has been lobbying the province to see such changes for at least 15 years.
Although Grandy said he is eager to implement red-light cameras, he wants to make sure the city gets a fair share of the fines that will be collected.
Grandy said if the city has to pay for the infrastructure, then it should get 100 per cent of the revenue.
"If municipalities are spending the capital cost to buy these devices, that fine revenue should help pay for those devices," he said.
"There's obviously operational costs with these as well. You don't just plunk them in."
The
new legislation doesn't specify ticket amounts. In Toronto,
red-light-camera tickets are $260, plus $65 in added fees, but no points
are lost since the driver is not identified. (CBC )
Grandy said cities in other provinces have worked out cost-sharing agreements between the levels of government. He said the Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick has been talking to the provincial government for years about the technology and related funding formulas.
"But we haven't got any response from the government yet," said Grandy.
He suspects the province will want "a substantial piece of that pie for themselves."
"I can't imagine what's taking so long," he said. "To me, it's a pretty simple calculation that should be used."
Coun.
Bruce Grandy says if the City of Fredericton pays for the installation
of traffic-enforcement technology like red-light cameras, it should be
able to keep 100 per cent of the revenue from tickets. (Jeanne Armstrong/CBC)
The legislation itself doesn't cover costs or revenue-sharing.
CBC New Brunswick asked the provincial government for details about whether it will start using some of the tools now at its disposal, as well as about plans for cost-sharing.
Allan Dearing, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Public Safety, sent a one-sentence response: "The department is still having discussions with municipalities across the province on this file."
The Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick has not responded to a request for comment.
What is allowed under legislation?
The legislation allows cameras and radar to be used to issue tickets for Motor Vehicle Act infractions like speeding, running red lights and passing school buses when the lights are flashing.
Municipalities like Fredericton and Moncton have long asked for the power to use red-light cameras, so it's likely to be the first of the newly allowed technologies to be implemented.
A red-light camera is an automated system that detects and captures images of vehicles that enter an intersection after the traffic light turns red.
Under New Brunswick's new legislation, a ticket "accompanied by a photograph of the alleged offence generated by an image-capturing enforcement system" is sent by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving. No points will be lost since the driver is not identified.
The legislation doesn't specify the amount of any fines.
The City of Toronto, for example, sets the fine for running a red light at $260, plus a $60 victim fine surcharge and $5 to cover court costs — for a total of $325.
The legislation doesn’t specify that motorists should be warned about the use of such technology, unlike some other provinces. (Jamie Malbeuf/CBC)
New Brunswick's legislation also doesn't state that motorists should be warned about the use of such technology, unlike some other provinces.
Municipal police forces, meanwhile, are waiting to see what local governments decide, since it's the municipalities that will be responsible for implementing the technology.
For example, Saint John Police Force spokesperson Staff Sgt. Matthew Weir said he isn't aware of immediate plans to start using any of the now-legal technology.
"I suspect there will need to be further discussions at higher levels to determine if and when we start using it," he said when asked last week.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette said it's up to municipalities in the province "to install, deploy and maintain this technology" if they want to use it.
The RCMP in New Brunswick "does not own or operate photo radar, red-light cameras or automated licence plate readers," he said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Round 2
“Although Grandy said he is eager to implement red-light cameras, he wants to make sure the city gets a fair share of the fines that will be collected.
Grandy said if the city has to pay for the infrastructure, then it should get 100 per cent of the revenue. “
While I agree with red light cameras, it’s nice to see that revenue from tickets is more top of mind than safety.
FYI There is another comment section
Higgs has to pay for that HST cut somehow.
Archie MacDaniel
NB needs these to increase revenue for the Higgs government.
Round 1
Need I say that this a nothing burger for a slow news day?
"Municipal police forces, meanwhile, are waiting to see what local governments decide, since it's the municipalities that will be responsible for implementing the technology.
For example, Saint John Police Force spokesperson Staff Sgt. Matthew Weir said he isn't aware of immediate plans to start using any of the now-legal technology.
"I suspect there will need to be further discussions at higher levels to determine if and when we start using it," he said when asked last week."
I gather from that bit of info that this is obviously a plan that was dreamt up in Fat Fred City
Reply to David Amos
"RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette said it's up to municipalities in the province "to install, deploy and maintain this technology" if they want to use it.
The RCMP in New Brunswick "does not own or operate photo radar, red-light cameras or automated licence plate readers," he said.
Should the rural folks count their blessings?
David Amos
"Allan Dearing, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Public Safety, sent a one-sentence response: "The department is still having discussions with municipalities across the province on this file."
Of that I have no doubt
Archie MacDaniel
This doesn't affect Miller. He hasn't been driving since the DUI.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
You are correct, this doesn't affect me, Driving Using Intelligence has its perks. How many accounts do you post under? Another proud moment for your parents.
David Amos
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
"NB needs these to increase revenue for the Higgs government."
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Reply to David Amos
And that is if you see it. The last HST cut went in businesses bank accounts. Why else would the taxpayers association want all parties to do this.
David Amos
Reply to Rosco holt
Not my words
"total crashes are expected to increase by 1.2% when red-light camera enforcement is present at the intersection."
https://mctrans-wordpress-prd-app.azurewebsites.net/why-does-the-presence-of-red-light-running-cameras-increase-my-crash-frequency/
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Interesting
Randy Vandelay
Reply to Jack Bell
But a decrease in right angle collisions which are far more dangerous.
Jack Bell
Reply to Randy Vandelay
But still more crashes.
Randy Vandelay
Reply to Jack Bell
Very slightly more, yes, but the overall safety improves.
Jack Bell
Reply to Randy Vandelay
How many people do you think will contest these tickets and tie up our courts even more?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-justice-system-delays-1.7220882
"Long delays and collapsed cases are eroding faith in the justice system, lawyers warn"
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Good question
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Based on the evidence provided by research and considering the trade-offs between right-angle and rear-end crashes, the economic benefits of a red light camera will become more evident at locations that experience higher proportions of right-angle crashes.
Reply to Jack Bell
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"Very few will contest paying the fine when receiving a request to appear in court."
Really? So, no one will want to have their fine lowered which is part of contesting?
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"the economic benefits of a red light camera will become more evident at locations that experience higher proportions of right-angle crashes."
So, you agree that it's a money grab.
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
My comment was taken from your link. The economic benefits have nothing to do with a "money grab".
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Very few will contest the fine.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
Here's a fun fact about turning traffic lights into a money making endeavor.
"Red-light cameras have motivated cities to shorten yellow lights to barely legal standards that likely cause more accidents"
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/infrastructure/a29815025/yellow-lights-too-short/
How many people will contest based on the yellow lights not being long enough?
"Man Wins Multiyear Battle to Prove Yellow Lights Should Last Longer"
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a31226683/lawsuit-yellow-traffic-lights/
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"My comment was taken from your link"
And my link still says accidents increased.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"Very few will contest the fine."
$325 is a good motivator to contest, especially when you stand to lose nothing but could potentially gain a lowered fine, or even have the fine dropped if you can prove the yellow lights are not long enough.
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Rear-enders rarely cause death.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"Among children under 1 who were killed in car seats between 2005 and 2009, 15 percent were in rear-end collisions"
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
Rare but by no means anywhere near zero.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/red-light-cameras-may-not-make-streets-safer/
"Our study showed no evidence that cameras reduce the total number of accidents. We estimate that total accidents are reduced by a statistically insignificant 3 percent after the cameras are turned off."
"Likewise, there’s no evidence that the camera program reduced the number of traffic-related injuries or the likelihood of incurring an incapacitating injury."
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
In New Brunswick? Didn't think so.
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Try to find a lawyer that cheap.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
...because you need a lawyer to contest a traffic ticket.
🙄
Reply to MR Cain
"In New Brunswick? Didn't think so."
Because kids in NB are born tougher than any part of the world.... do you ever actually read what you write?
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
What is the point of statistics without relevance? Are you saying these fatalities are due to the cameras? Or due to sudden stops? Or just tailgating? Do you speed up at an amber light?
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
You receive your ticket after the fact; now you are in front of a judge. He asks a simple question: did you speed up at the amber light? Case closed.
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
At intersections with cameras?
Randy Vandelay
Reply to Jack Bell
So you admit that it's safer. Thanks.
Jack Bell
Reply to Randy Vandelay
""Likewise, there’s no evidence that the camera program reduced the number of traffic-related injuries or the likelihood of incurring an incapacitating injury.""
Is that really hard to understand?.. I didn't think so, but here I am, reposting it.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"Are you saying these fatalities are due to the cameras? "
Are you saying you didn't read my posts?
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"You receive your ticket after the fact; now you are in front of a judge. He asks a simple question: did you speed up at the amber light? Case closed."
With possibly a reduced fine if you can convince them you can't afford it.
You're welcome, and I accept your apology.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
Try to keep up, rear end collisions increased at intersections with red light cameras.
It was posted, and you read it and replied to it... did you forget?
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Where in New Brunswick did these statistics come from?
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Your posts ignore relevant facts. Nothing about New Brunswick.
David Amos
You two have a lot to do today eh?
Reply to Jack Bell
My, there are a lot of drivers on this thread who constantly go through red lights. Why else would anyone be upset over this?
Jack Bell
Reply to Alison Jackson
I replied why and it no longer exists.
It has to do with making more money without having to pay for a police presence.
Jack Bell
Reply to Alison Jackson
Because it's just a lazy cash grab?
Jim Lake
Reply to Jack Bell
The police cannot patrol every red light, so red-light cameras are intended to capture those New Brunswickers who believe they don’t need to follow the rules of the road - and there are far too many of those.
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Amen
Jack Bell
Reply to Jim Lake
"The police cannot patrol every red light"
I'm not asking them to, when we switched from a Municiple force to the RCMP we started paying more for less service within a year, and it's steadily gotten worse up until now where you can go weeks without seeing a police presence.
No one dared speed with the Municiple force... now you'd swear we lived next to the autobahn.
It's nothing to have people pass you because you were only doing 65 in a 50 zone.
"so red-light cameras are intended to capture those New Brunswickers who believe they don’t need to follow the rules of the road - and there are far too many of those."
This has more to do with money than safety.
Chris Merriam
Reply to Alison Jackson
Ok....and speed cameras are bad because....?
Chris Merriam
Reply to Alison Jackson
Negatives (Cons) Related to Speed Cameras
The National Motorist's Association (NMA) and other organizations oppose speed cameras; here are some of the reasons they cite for being against them.
Slowed speeds. An awareness of the presence of a ticket camera can cause some drivers to drive below the posted speed limit, creating a road safety hazard.
False readings. Radar-triggered cameras are imperfect and can result in tickets being generated for false readings.
No evidence of improved safety. NMA believes the companies that sell the ticket camera equipment and services are biased and offer no independent verification that these systems actually do reduce accidents, improve highway safety, or help to regulate roadway traffic flow.
No accuser. It is a right for accused persons to confront their accuser, but in the case of these cameras, there is no human being to confront.
Selective responses. While drivers may begin to adjust their driving behavior in areas that they become aware are being surveyed with cameras, this behavior does not always transfer to other areas and intersections, especially where they can confirm there are no cameras. Familiar areas that are known by drivers to be camera-free may still generate speeding, reckless driving and the running of red lights.
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says they reduce red-light running violations by around 40%. Large cities with cameras experience 21% fewer red-light running crash deaths than other large cities.
Alison Jackson
Reply to Chris Merriam
So the guy who came up behind me last week in a souped up Honda Civic flooring it to about 120kms/hr on a designated 70kms/hr highway...its OK he does that because sometimes the readings are inaccurate?
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says they reduce red-light running violations by around 40%. Large cities with cameras experience 21% fewer red-light running crash deaths than other large cities."
But still more crashes overall.
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
nope
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
Yup.
"total crashes are expected to increase by 1.2% when red-light camera enforcement is present at the intersection."
https://mctrans-wordpress-prd-app.azurewebsites.net/why-does-the-presence-of-red-light-running-cameras-increase-my-crash-frequency/
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Try to find data for New Brunswick; we are special people.
Jack Bell
Reply to MR Cain
Being terrible at driving is what makes NB special.
MR Cain
Reply to Jack Bell
Maybe you should have someone else driving.
Good reason to stay out of the province.
Jim Lake
Reply to Frank Blacklock
Then please do.
David Amos
Reply to Frank Blacklock
Oh My My
Janice Belliveau
The article is all about revenue ( the almighty dollar ) and seems to say little or care about public safety.
So these red light cameras do they take a picture of the front of the vehicle or the back ?
If its just the front of the vehicle like many of these cameras do then good luck with that as we no longer have front licence plates on our vehicles.
claude bourgeois
Reply to Janice Belliveau
Agreed. Everyone seems to care only about where the ticket money will go to.
Jack Bell
Reply to claude bourgeois
"Everyone seems to care only about where the ticket money will go to."
To government mismanagement.
David Amos
Reply to claude bourgeois
Ditto
NB, still 15 years behind the rest of the world
Ted DiBlase
Reply to Louis Leblanc
Lucky them
David Amos
Reply to Ted DiBlase
Yup
kevin.dignam@nbliberal.ca
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