Photo Radar: New Brunswick's Reality

In May 2021, the New Brunswick government tabled legislation to allow municipalities to use photo radar and red-light cameras to enforce traffic laws. The proposed legislation, called the Act Respecting Image-capturing Enforcement Systems, would enable the use of school bus cameras, photo radar, red-light cameras, and automated licence plate readers to gather evidence of potential violations of the Motor Vehicle Act. This technology has been found to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities in other jurisdictions. If a motorist is caught on camera violating a law, a peace officer would review the evidence, and if a violation occurred, a ticket with a photo of the offence would be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The fine would need to be paid, but no demerit points would be incurred.

New Brunswick's photo radar and red-light cameras

New Brunswick has proposed legislation to allow municipalities to use photo radar and red-light cameras. The Act Respecting Image-capturing Enforcement Systems would enable the use of school bus cameras, photo radar, red-light cameras, and automated licence plate readers to gather evidence of potential Motor Vehicle Act violations.

The proposed legislation would allow police to review camera footage and issue tickets with photos of the offence to the vehicle's registered owner. The driver would have to pay a fine but would not lose demerit points. This legislation aims to improve road safety and reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities. New Brunswick would be the first province to authorise the use of automated licence plate readers.

The public has mixed reactions to the proposed legislation. Some people support it, believing that it will deter speeding and dangerous driving, making streets and highways safer. However, others have criticised the government for incompetence and unfriendliness, which could hurt the province's tourism industry.

It is worth noting that the legislation was tabled in May 2021, and as of June 2023, amendments were introduced to allow the use of red-light cameras and photo radar. The current status of the legislation is unclear.

Evidence review and ticketing process

On May 11, 2021, the New Brunswick government tabled legislation to allow municipalities to use photo radar and red-light cameras. The proposed legislation, called the "Act Respecting Image-capturing Enforcement Systems," would enable the use of school bus cameras, photo radar, red-light cameras, and automated licence plate readers to gather evidence of potential Motor Vehicle Act violations.

The evidence review and ticketing process for the proposed legislation is as follows:

• Evidence review: If a motorist is caught on camera violating a law, the evidence will be reviewed by a peace officer. This could include reviewing footage from red-light cameras, photo radar, or school bus cameras, as well as reviewing licence plate information from automated licence plate readers.
• Ticketing: If the peace officer determines that a violation has occurred, a ticket will be sent by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle. This ticket will be accompanied by a photograph of the commission of the offence. It's important to note that while the registered owner of the vehicle will be liable for paying the fine, they will not incur a loss of points because they may not have been the driver at the time of the offence.

The New Brunswick government believes that the use of this technology will act as a deterrent to speeding and other driving violations, making the streets safer for everyone. However, some people have expressed concerns about the competence and friendliness of government employees in New Brunswick, which could impact the ticketing process.

Potential safety benefits

The New Brunswick government has proposed legislation to allow municipalities to use photo radar technology to improve road safety. This technology has the potential to bring about several safety benefits.

Firstly, photo radar can act as a deterrent to speeding and other driving violations, such as running red lights or passing stopped school buses. By increasing the likelihood of being caught, motorists may be more inclined to adhere to speed limits and follow traffic rules, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the roads.

Secondly, photo radar technology can assist law enforcement in enforcing traffic laws more effectively. Justice Minister Hugh Flemming has acknowledged that it is impossible for police to be everywhere at once. With photo radar, violations can be captured and reviewed by peace officers, ensuring that dangerous driving behaviour does not go unnoticed. This can lead to improved road safety and a reduction in speeding and other traffic offences.

Additionally, the use of photo radar can result in more accurate evidence gathering for potential violations of the Motor Vehicle Act. The captured images provide clear and unbiased proof of any infractions, making it easier for law enforcement to identify and penalize offenders. This can lead to improved road safety as those who break the law can be held accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, the implementation of photo radar can have a positive impact on the behaviour of motorists. Knowing that their actions may be recorded and reviewed can encourage drivers to be more cautious and considerate on the roads. This heightened awareness can lead to improved driving habits and a reduction in risky behaviour, ultimately enhancing the safety of everyone sharing the roads, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Lastly, photo radar technology can complement existing road safety measures and initiatives. By combining photo radar with other tools and programmes, such as public education campaigns and engineering improvements, a more comprehensive approach to road safety can be achieved. This multi-faceted strategy can lead to a significant reduction in traffic-related incidents and create a safer environment for all road users.

Automated license plate readers

In New Brunswick, the government has introduced legislation to allow municipalities to use ALPRs, along with photo radar and red-light cameras, to gather evidence of potential violations of the Motor Vehicle Act. This technology has the potential to make streets safer by acting as a deterrent to speeding and other driving violations.

However, the use of ALPRs raises some privacy and civil liberties concerns. ALPRs can be used to track and record the movements of millions of ordinary people, even though most are not connected to a crime. The data collected by ALPRs can be used to create intimate portraits of individuals' lives, including their political and religious beliefs, daily habits, and associations. This information can be accessed and shared by law enforcement agencies and private companies, raising concerns about data security and potential misuse.

To address these concerns, some states have passed laws regulating the use of ALPRs. These laws include limits on data retention, restrictions on the types of investigations in which ALPRs can be used, and mandatory audits. New Brunswick would be the first province to have provisions authorizing the use of automated license plate readers if the proposed legislation is passed.

Public opinion on photo radar

A survey in Fredericton found support for the use of red-light cameras, and the city has been dealing with a speeding problem. The Fredericton Police Force has been rolling out new portable traffic-calming equipment that can track speeds and store data, even when it appears to be turned off. This has been implemented in response to complaints about speeding in certain areas. The data collected by these devices will be used to analyse traffic patterns and the effectiveness of radar displays, rather than for ticketing.

On the other hand, some people in New Brunswick have expressed concerns about the use of photo radar and red-light cameras, with some considering them an invasion of privacy. There are also worries about the potential for abuse or misuse of the technology. Some critics argue that these measures are simply a way for the government to increase revenue through fines.

Proponents of photo radar and red-light cameras, including the Justice and Public Safety Minister Ted Flemming, argue that these technologies can help improve road safety and reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Minister Flemming has stated that it is impossible for law enforcement to be everywhere at once, and that these technologies can serve as a deterrent to dangerous driving behaviours. New Brunswick would be the first province to implement automated licence plate readers, which have been met with a positive response from municipalities.

Overall, public opinion on photo radar in New Brunswick is mixed. While some support the use of technology to improve road safety and reduce accidents, others have concerns about privacy, effectiveness, and the potential for misuse. The implementation of these measures has sparked a debate between those who see the benefits for road safety and those who are cautious about the potential negative consequences.

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