Photo radar catches thousands of speeders in Perimeter Highway construction zone By: Chris Kitching Posted: 5:28 PM CDT Thursday, May. 16, 2024

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This article was published 16/05/2024 (854 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Thousands of drivers were hit with speeding tickets after being snared in the first mobile photo radar unit used in a construction zone on the Perimeter Highway in south Winnipeg.

Winnipeg police said 14,183 tickets were issued in the first six weeks (March 15 to April 30) of mobile units being set up east and west of St. Mary’s Road.

“The statistics demonstrate a clear need for enforcement,” said traffic division Insp. Marc Philippot. “The reality is that police cannot be everywhere, so photo enforcement is one of our tools to assist in this regard.”

Police said 7,342 tickets were issued in the first two weeks, or an average of 489 per day. The ensuing two-week totals were 4,759 (April 1-15) and 2,082 (April 16-30) — a decline of 72 per per cent — thanks to increased awareness.

“The numbers certainly highlight the problem, however, I am encouraged to see the violations are trending downward,” said Philippot. “I’d rather see our community members spending their hard-earned dollars in other ways than paying fines and putting workers at risk.”

Construction workers are building an interchange at the Perimeter and St. Mary’s. The reduced speed limit is 80 km/h, unless otherwise noted. Fines are doubled in designated construction zones.

The highest recorded speed was 76 km/h over the limit, which carried a set fine of $2,040, said Philippot. Some drivers received multiple tickets.

Philippot said construction workers raised safety concerns prior to the use of photo radar.

In one incident, a flag person was nearly hit by a driver who was not paying close attention, he said.

“I’d rather see our community members spending their hard-earned dollars in other ways than paying fines and putting workers at risk.”–Insp. Marc Philippot

Former police officer Rodney Bolianaz, who runs Radar Rodney Traffic Ticket Services, has received calls about the use of photo enforcement on the Perimeter.

He said he has helped people to reduce their speeding fines.

Bolianaz tells his clients he will not challenge tickets, because the construction zone’s signage is in accordance with provincial legislation, and sign locations are documented or mapped by photo-radar operators for court purposes.

“These zones are hotly contested, and that’s why operators go to the nth degree with their evidence,” he said.

Police have said there is plenty of signage providing clear advance warning of the construction zone.

Opponents of photo enforcement have called it a cash grab. Police insist it’s all about reducing speeds and safety.

“Everyone has a role to play to help reduce the speed to help maintain road safety,” said Philippot. “This ultimately has to start with the motorist taking responsibility of their driving behaviour and obeying the rules of the road.”

“This ultimately has to start with the motorist taking responsibility of their driving behaviour and obeying the rules of the road.”–Insp. Marc Philippot

While the work zone is on a provincial highway, the WPS has said it has the lawful authority to use photo enforcement, because the site is within city limits and it meets the requirements of image-capturing enforcement regulations.

City police became the primary enforcer of traffic laws on the southern half of the Perimeter on May 1, taking over from Manitoba RCMP. The WPS has said the use of photo radar prior to the handover was lawful.

Drivers, meanwhile, can expect more traffic enforcement across Manitoba over the May long weekend, when highways are traditionally busier. Canada Road Safety Week runs until Monday.

The RCMP reminded drivers mandatory alcohol screening, legal since 2018, allows police officers to conduct roadside breath tests without reasonable grounds to suspect impairment.

“We’ve been finding a lot of drivers out there are not aware of the legislation,” said Insp. Michael Gagliardi, who is in charge of RCMP traffic services in Manitoba.

He said traffic officers screen everyone they pull over. A refusal can result in a charge.

Alcohol is a leading cause of fatal collisions in Canada, along with speeding and distracted driving.

At least three people have died in impaired driving-related collisions so far in 2024. Toxicology results are pending in some cases.

Gagliardi said 20 people were killed in 2023 and 19 in 2022. He urged people to drive sober, wear a seatbelt, slow down and stay focused on the roads.

“Choose to get home safely,” the officer said. “If we all make the choice, there will be a lot less tragedy on Manitoba roadways.”

Lifesaving Society Manitoba issued a plea for safety to those going in, on or near water over the Victoria Day weekend, which heralds the unofficial start to summer.

“We want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves, but it’s also important people are thinking about having as many layers of safety in place as possible,” said Christopher Love, the society’s safety management and Water Smart co-ordinator.

Children should be supervised and within arms’ reach near water, boaters and anyone who cannot swim should wear a life-jacket and boat operators should be sober, the organization recommends.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca