City’s photo radar revenue feels pandemic pinch

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This article was published 23/03/2021 (1839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TRAFFIC enforcement proved far less lucrative for police last year, with so many cars parked at home so much of the time.

Winnipeg Police Service raised just $9.6 million in photo radar revenues during 2020, or 39 per cent less than the $15.8 million police expected before COVID-19. Traditional enforcement fell nearly $1 million short of its target, raising about $2.9 million instead of $3.8 million, according to a new financial update. Police saw a five per cent drop in overall revenues.

The chairman of the Winnipeg Police Board said he’s concerned at least some of that shortfall could be repeated in 2021.

“For the most part, we suspect (pandemic) traffic patterns will continue,” said Coun. Markus Chambers (St. Norbert-Seine River). “(And) if there’s obviously less vehicles on the road, there’s going to be less enforcement (revenue).”

While the WPS budget estimates the service will earn another $15.4 million in photo radar revenue during 2021, just $400,000 shy of last year’s estimate, the service is also concerned revenues will fall short once again.

“We believe a similar shortfall will occur in 2021, however, many factors contribute to photo enforcement revenue. Construction and public health restrictions are two such factors. The service will continue to monitor (this),” said WPS Const. Rob Carver, in an emailed statement.

Chambers said he expects police may need to adjust this year’s budget to address a reduction in traffic tickets. The councillor noted it’s still challenging to predict the full impact of the pandemic, since a third wave of COVID-19 infections and/or additional public health orders could still arrive.

“It’s difficult to understand what the full ramifications will be,” he said.

The WPS financial picture isn’t entirely bleak, however, as police did benefit from some COVID-19 savings. The report notes the 2020 budget anticipated police would spend $8.3 million on overtime last year but actually spent just $6.4 million, after court closures led officers to spend less time at legal proceedings. Revenue losses were also offset by increases in government grants and a decreased cost to process photo radar tickets.

Council’s finance chairman said he expects federal relief funds will help the city offset pandemic losses for police and others, which may still be widespread in 2021.

“I expect the pandemic will continue to have a financial impact on all city departments, including police services,” wrote Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James), in an emailed statement.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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WPS Financial report