Mayor pushes for return of photo radar amid ‘disturbing’ night on Calgary roads

A photo radar enforcement sign is seen in Calgary, in this undated photo. (CTV News)

Calgary’s mayor is pushing the province to bring back photo radar, saying it was never just a “cash grab,” but instead a “life-saving tool.”

The province announced in December 2024 it would be doing away with photo radar on all provincial highways and connectors, restricting it to use in school zones, playground zones and construction zones, and eliminating it from speeding enforcement by intersection safety devices.

The changes went into effect on April 1.

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In a statement released Wednesday, Gondek used a series of “disturbing traffic incidents” earlier this week to illustrate why Calgary should be given back the “tools” and “authority” to “save lives and prevent injuries.”

“A young man died in a high-speed rollover. A 16-year-old boy was struck in a crosswalk and left with life-altering injuries. A paramedic was injured while responding to a collision caused by a stolen vehicle. And a skateboarder was hit by a cement truck,” Gondek said in a May 14 statement.

She said the “leading cause” of traffic incidents is speed.

“We are now seeing the consequences of the province’s decision to take away photo radar,” she continued.

“Because this is not just a bad night. This is a warning. And we must act before more lives are lost.”

To read the mayor’s complete statement, you can visit her website.

‘Hearts go out to the victims’: province responds

In an email to CTV News, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen issued the following response to Gondek’s statement.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent tragic incidents in Calgary. We fully support the Calgary Police Service as they investigate these situations and work to ensure justice and public safety in the community.

“Through the new Traffic Safety Fund, we are investing into community safety initiatives, and we continue to encourage cities like Calgary to implement meaningful traffic-calming solutions such as speed tables, flashing signs and public education.”