Frequently Asked Questions About Photo Radar

Is photo radar enforcement automatic or is it under operator control?

Photo Radar is a combination of both, it is an automatic system which triggers an image being taken when an excessive speed is detected by the photo radar system and each violation is reviewed by the photo radar operator who is on scene for accuracy and other related variables. Both the photo radar system and operator work together when enforcing speed limits in Taber.

Who provides the photo radar service in the Town of Taber?

The Town of Taber currently has a contract with the City of Lethbridge to provide photo radar services within the Town of Taber limits.

How are photo radar enforcement sites selected?

All sites are selected pursuant to the guidelines set out by the Province of Alberta. Photo radar sites are selected based on one or more of the following criteria:

• high speed corridors;
• high collision locations;
• school and playground zones;
• construction zones;
• citizen concerns;
• areas /intersections where conventional enforcement is unsafe or ineffective;
• intersections with documented history of offences;
• high-speed or multi-lane roadways; or
• Intersections near schools, post-secondary institutions, or areas with high pedestrian volumes.

How do I get photo radar to set up on my street?

If you are concerned about speeding in your area of the community, you can report your concerns to the Taber Police Service, Inspector Dave Gyepesi at 403 223-8991.

Your concern will be reviewed and followed up with you to discuss your concerns and determine if a photo radar unit will be deployed in your area.

How will I be notified of an offence?

A violation ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Does someone review the photographs before motorists are ticketed?

Yes. Persons designated as peace officers in the province of Alberta operate the mobile photo radar vehicles. The operator is responsible for setting up and testing the equipment in the vehicle. The operator also observes and makes notes on each violation. The operator reviews every image to verify that the vehicle is in violation and that the vehicle information is correct. Tickets are mailed to registered owners where it is clear that the vehicle committed a speed infraction.

If I receive a violation ticket what are my options?

You may plead guilty to the offence charged by mailing and voluntarily paying the amount specified on or before the appearance date indicated on the ticket OR plead not guilty. Once a ticket is issued to the registered owner, it becomes a Provincial Court matter. Options are listed on the violation ticket as to how you may address or contest the violation ticket.

Where can I pay for the ticket?

Tickets can be paid at in person at a registry office or the Provincial Courthouse, mailed to Provincial Traffic Production Center 601-5th Street S.W.Calgary, Alberta T2P 5P7, or paid online. For more information about online payments visit MyAlberta eServices.

If I plead guilty to a photo radar offence, will I receive demerits against my driver’s license?

No. There are no demerit points associated to any automated enforcement tickets, as they are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle and not a specific person as the driver.

Does a ticket impact my insurance?

No. Your driving record and your National Safety Code Profile are not affected by automated enforcement tickets.

Where does the money from Automated Traffic Enforcement go?

The Province of Alberta retains 41.67% of the total fine amount, 15% of which is directed towards Victim Services, and 26.67% is an administrative fee retained by the government. The City of Lethbridge charges a fee for each ticket issued and the balance of the fine approx. (50%), when paid, is directed to the Town of Taber. If there is a late payment penalty attached to the fine, the province receives the surcharge amount associated.

Each year a detailed budget is prepared by the Taber Police Service and presented to the Taber Town Council by the Taber Municipal Police Commission. The Town of Taber Council approves the yearly budget and allocates funds each year for the operation of The Taber Police Service. The Taber Town Council has directed that the total amount of revenue be applied to offset the costs of policing in the Town of Taber. 

Town of Taber Photo Radar Links:

Town of Taber Photo Radar Site Locations

Town of Taber Photo Radar Site Map

Town of Taber Photo Radar Yearly Review:

Automated Traffic Enforcement 2022