More photo radar tickets being given in Calgary than ever

Police want people to slow down, especially in school and playground zones.

Police gave out nearly 87 thousand more tickets in 2015 than they did the year before, adding up to $21 million dollars in fines last year.

The total traffic enforcement numbers for Calgary are higher than just the $21 million. Police also brought in $10 million for speed on green, $15 million from officers pulling people over and a further $3.6 million from red light cameras. 60% of that money stays with Calgary police.

Police say the goal is to improve safety and reduce pedestrian collisions, and the strategy seems to be working.

“Our statistics show that when you look at automated, you may get a ticket the first time, maybe the second time, but very rarely the third time," said Inspector Ken Thrower of the CPS Traffic Section.

The Provincial Safety Act has the default speed in residential areas at 50 kilometers per hour, but the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues would like to see that lowered to 40 across the province.

Last year the city changed all school zones to playground zones, meaning more hours when drivers have to periodically lower their speed

Police say they are not just making money from giving out tickets, rather they say lower speed accidents are more survivable.