Public safety is the City’s highest priority. Utilizing this life-saving technology allows the RCMP and Municipal Enforcement Services (MES) to attend to other high-priority matters throughout the city while still enhancing safety for our community.
Automated safety enforcement programs are proven to positively change driver behaviour and enhance road safety by reducing the number of collisions, injuries, and fatalities that occur as a result of red-light running and speeding. An IIHS study compared large cities with red-light safety cameras to those without and found the devices reduced the fatal red-light running crash rate by 21 percent and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14 percent.
Fort Saskatchewan prides itself on employing the Safe Systems Model; an evidence-based approach that assesses, guides, and improves traffic safety by considering how all components of the transportation system interact. We employ a comprehensive strategy that encompasses education, engineering, engagement, enforcement, and evaluation.
As of 2022:
- Traffic on Highway 21 and Highway 15 had increased by 14% since 2019. Fort Saskatchewan now sees approximately 14,000,000 vehicles a year travelling through the major intersections along this route.
- In 2008, when the ATE program was started, the population in Fort Saskatchewan was 16,793, and in 2022 the population had grown to 28,045, an increase of 67%. Even though we have had a large increase to the population, fatal and injury collisions are down by 13.4%, and the overall number of fatal and injury collisions per 1000 residents is down by 48.4%. This can be linked and attributed in no small part by the ATE program.
To learn more about the ATE program, its objectives, and the positive impact it has on community safety, please call 780-997-7930 or email merqs@fortsask.ca.
ATE Guidelines
|
The Automated Traffic Enforcement Guideline governs how municipalities and law enforcement agencies employ photo radar in Alberta. These guidelines are based on 4 guiding principles:
- Transportation safety must be the primary objective of ATE programs in the province.
- Police services, in collaboration with municipalities, are accountable for ensuring ATE programs are used to improve transportation safety outcomes.
- Ongoing evaluation of ATE programs will ensure they improve transportation safety outcomes.
- Public transparency is paramount for the success of ATE programs.
ATE can be placed in areas that have:
- Higher frequency of collisions
- Higher frequency of speeding
- Higher frequency of intersection contraventions
- Designated zones
- School or Playground zone that is denoted to be a 30 km/h
- A construction zone
ATE can not be used:
- In speed transition zones
- In residential areas where speed limits are under 50 km/h
|
ATE Locations in Fort Saskatchewan
|
In Fort Saskatchewan, permanent ATE sites, commonly referred to as Intersection Safety Device (ISD), are found at these locations:
View Automated Enforcement Locations Map
- ATE/ISD locations are operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Mobile enforcement locations are operational at various times and days during the week.
ATE/ISD Locations
Location ID | Highway/Intersection | Direction of Travel |
ABFSAR001 |
HWY 15 NE BND @ 114 STREET |
North |
ABFSAR002 |
HWY 21 NE BND @ SOUTHFORT BLVD |
North |
ABFSAR003 |
HWY 21 SW BND @ 84 STREET |
South |
ABFSAR004 |
HWY 21 NE BND TURN LANE @ HWY 15 |
North |
ABFSAR005 |
HWY 15 SW BND @ 114 STREET |
South |
ABFSAR006 |
HWY 15 NE BND @ 101 STREET |
North |
ABFSAR007 |
HWY 15 SW BND @ HWY 21 |
South |
ABFSAR008 |
99 AVE NE BND @ 95 STREET |
North |
ABFSAR009 |
HWY 21 NE BND @ HWY 15 |
North |
Mobile Enforcement Locations
Location ID | Highway/Intersection | Direction of Travel |
ABFSAV020 |
101 ST NW BND @ 98 AV SZ |
North |
ABFSAV021 |
101 ST SE BND @ 98 AV SZ |
South |
ABFSAV022 |
82 ST NW BND SZ |
North |
ABFSAV023 |
82 ST SE BND SZ |
South |
ABFSAV024 |
93 AV W BND SZ |
West |
ABFSAV025 |
93 AV E BND SZ |
East |
ABFSAV026 |
RIVER RD NE BND @ 104 ST PG |
North |
ABFSAV027 |
RIVER RD SW BND PG |
South |
ABFSAV030 |
HWY 15 NE BND @89 AVE |
North |
ABFSAV031 |
HWY 15 SW BND @89 AVE 119 ST |
South |
ABFSAV032 |
HWY 15 SW BND @ 125 Street |
South |
ABFSAV035 |
WESTPARK DR E BND PG |
East |
|
ATE Revenue
|
The City of Fort Saskatchewan invests a portion of the revenue from Automated Traffic Enforcement back into Traffic Safety Initiatives. Both Protective Services and the City Engineering Department utilize a portion of the revenue to invest back into traffic safety initiatives.
Projected 2023 Automated Traffic Enforcement Revenue: $1,090,390
Protective Services Traffic Safety Initiative Funds: $85,000
Protective Services Traffic Safety Initiatives include:
- Traffic Safety Education through media campaigns Mix 107.9 radio station
- Bike Rodeo - youth education in bicycle safety
- Slow Down lawn sign campaign – 2023 initiative
- MES Officer Bike Patrol Program
- Traffic Safety Equipment
Fleet, Facilities and Engineering Department Traffic Safety Initiative Funds: $75,000
- Traffic Calming Infrastructure
- Pedestrian Flashing Beacon Lights
|
ATE Data
|
The City of Fort Saskatchewan was averaging 1 to 2 fatal collisions per year leading up to 2008. In 2007, the City lowered the Highway 21 and Highway 15 speed limit to 70 km/h in part to address the number and nature of collisions along the urban highway corridor.
By 2008, our rate of fatal and injury collisions stood at 3.989 per 1000 residents. In 2009, the City introduced our first two intersection safety devices at problem intersections. That year, the two intersection safety devices recorded an average of 14 red-light violations per week or 7 per week per intersection.
Between 2008 and 2015, the City added additional police and peace officers, and additional intersection safety devices at high collision locations or approaches to those locations. In 2015, the intersection safety devices recorded an average of 4 red-light violations per week across multiple sites and our rate of fatal and injury collisions decreased to 1.872 per 1000 residents, a 53% reduction. By 2022, there has been a 48% reduction in fatal and injury collisions, when compared to 2008.
Yearly Comparator – All collisions for Fort Saskatchewan
Comparators | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
Population |
26,328 |
26,942 |
27,391 |
27,650 |
28,045 |
Fatal & Injury (F&I) Collisions |
43 |
52 |
42 |
46 |
58 |
F&I Collision Rate per 1000 Residents |
1.633 |
1.93 |
1.533 |
1.664 |
2.068 |
Number of Intersection Safety Devices (ISD) |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
Number of ISD Locations |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
- When compared to 2008, there has been a 48% reduction in fatal and injury collisions in 2022.
- Since 2018, there has been a 27% increase in fatal and injury collisions.
- The population of Fort Saskatchewan has increased 6.5% in the last 5 years.
Automated Traffic Enforcement: Issued Violations
Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | % Change 2018-2022YTD |
Speed on Green |
15,909 |
20,400 |
13,508 |
19,442 |
18,392 |
15.61% |
Red Light |
551 |
420 |
403 |
653 |
807 |
46.46% |
Photo Radar |
687 |
484 |
152 |
137 |
0 |
-100.00% |
Total |
18,111 |
23,638 |
14,063 |
20,232 |
19,199 |
11.97% |
2022 January to December - City of Fort Saskatchewan Intersection Safety Device Data
Site | Location | Vehicle Count at Site | Speed on Green Issued Tickets | Red Light Issued Tickets | Total Issued Violations | Percent Ticketed |
601 |
HWY 15 SW BND @ HWY 21 |
2,106,558 |
155 |
45 |
200 |
0.009 |
608 |
HWY 21 NE BND @ HWY 15 |
1,794,971 |
171 |
47 |
218 |
0.0012 |
609 |
HWY 21 NE BND TURN LANE @ HWY 15 |
731,688 |
0 |
237 |
237 |
0.032 |
602 |
HWY 15 NE BND @ 101 ST |
1,285,151 |
130 |
35 |
165 |
0.013 |
603 |
HWY 21 SW BND @ 84 ST |
2,198,253 |
1,872 |
118 |
1,990 |
0.091 |
604 |
HWY 21 NE BND @ SOUTHFORT BLVD |
1,573,701 |
1,414 |
30 |
1,445 |
0.092 |
605 |
99 AVE NE BND @ 95 ST |
953,247 |
2,522 |
232 |
2,754 |
0.289 |
606 |
HWY 15 SW BND @ 114 ST |
1,687,063 |
7,108 |
29 |
7,137 |
0.423 |
607 |
HWY 15 NE BND @ 114 ST |
1,730,501 |
5,019 |
34 |
5,053 |
0.292 |
Total |
14,061,133 |
18,391 |
807 |
19,199 |
0.14 |
Less than 1% of traffic through the ISD sites receive a speeding or red light violation.
Intersection Safety Device Site Collision Data
Site | Location | Fatal Collisions | Injury Collisions | Property Damage Collisions | Total |
'20 |
'21 |
'22 |
'20 |
'21 |
'22 |
'20 |
'21 |
'22 |
2020-2022 |
601
608
609
|
HWY 15 SW BND @ HWY 21
HWY 21 NE BND @ HWY 15
HWY 21 NE BND TURN LANE @ HWY 15
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
7 |
18 |
13 |
52 |
602 |
HWY 15 NE BND @ 101 ST |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
9 |
11 |
5 |
32 |
603 |
HWY 21 SW BND @ 84 ST |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
13 |
604 |
HWY 21 NE BND @ SOUTHFORT BLVD |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
3 |
11 |
32 |
605 |
99 AVE NE BND @ 95 ST |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
7 |
606
607
|
HWY 15 SW BND @ 114 ST HWY 15 NE BND @ 114 ST |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
3 |
12 |
Total
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
15 |
15 |
26 |
43 |
37 |
148 |
|
FAQs
|
Red Light Safety Cameras
|
When are the Red-Light Safety Cameras operational?
Red-light safety cameras will be operational 24/7.
What is a red-light running violation?
A red-light running violation occurs when a motorist enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. This violation is a non-moving infraction and does not result in the assessment of points against the driver.
What is the fine amount for a Red-Light Running violation?
The fine amount for a red-light safety camera is $405.00.
Will “points” be assessed to my driving record?
No, this ticket is not considered a “moving violation”. It is a ticket holding the registered owner or lessee responsible for the violation (similar to a parking ticket.) No points can be assessed for this violation, and it will not affect your insurance rates. Drivers who receive red-light safety camera violations are cited for red-light violations only.
How does the Red-Light Safety Camera work?
Step 1: The system activates upon entering the intersection on a red light. The automated safety camera captures multiple images of an alleged violation from the rear of the vehicle.
Step 2: The first image shows the vehicle prior to entering the intersection while the light is red.
Step 3: The second image shows the vehicle proceeding through the intersection on a red light.
Step 4: A close-up image of the license plate is also provided with the evidence.
Step 5: Data, including the time, date, and duration of the yellow and red lights, is also recorded.
Step 6: Cameras also record a 12-second digital video of the violation, including six seconds prior to and six seconds after running the red light.
The City of Fort Saskatchewan MES reviews each incident before a ticket is issued. The notice of violation will contain images of the vehicle and a close-up of the license plate.
|
Speed Safety Camera Program
|
When are the speed safety cameras operational?
Speed safety cameras operate on an enforcement schedule that is regularly updated.
Will “points” be assessed on my driving record?
A speed violation is not considered a “moving violation”. No points can be assessed, and it will not raise your insurance rate.
Can I be ticketed for multiple violations?
Drivers who receive speed violations are cited for speed violations only.
Will the speed safety cameras take a picture of the driver?
No, only the rear of the vehicle will be captured. The registered owner is responsible for the speed violation.
How does the speed safety camera work?
Step 1: The system identifies any vehicle traveling equal to or faster than the province threshold and triggers the speed safety camera which captures the event.
Step 2: A series of images are captured of the vehicle as it passes the speed safety camera, capturing the distance and time of travel.
Step 3: The license plate image is cropped from one of the images captured.
Step 4: Data, including the time, date, posted speed, vehicle speed, location, lane, and direction of travel, is collected.
|
What to do if you receive a Notice of Violation
|
Why did I receive this Notice of Violation?
Based upon images captured by the automated enforcement program, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red-light or speed violation. As the vehicle owner, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you. If you have additional questions, please call Municipal Enforcement Services at 780-997-7930 and have your license plate number readily available.
What if I lost my Notice of Violation?
Please call Municipal Enforcement Services at 780-997-7930 and have your license plate number readily available.
How can I see the video and images captured for my Notice of Violation?
The recorded images and video will be submitted as evidence in any Administrative Hearing for this violation. You may view your images online at photonoticeab.ca and log in with your notice of violation PIN and license plate numbers.
You can also view the disclosure of the ticket, any photos/video, as well as pay the ticket or dispute the ticket online at saferoads.alberta.ca.
What company provides the Automated Enforcement Technology?
Verra Mobility is committed to developing and enabling the latest in innovative technology and advanced data intelligence to help make transportation safer and easier for all. As a global company operating in more than 20 countries, Verra Mobility is at the center of the intelligent transportation ecosystem – one that brings together people, vehicles, devices, information, and infrastructure to solve the most complex challenges faced by our customers and the communities they serve. The City of Fort Saskatchewan and the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP have contracted with Verra Mobility, which provides smart and safe mobility solutions for communities across the globe. More information about Verra Mobility is available at verramobility.com.
|
|
Additional resources
ATE Annual Report (2022/2023)
ATE Technology Guideline (2021)
Traffic Safety Plan (2023-2026)
Traffic Safety Plan (2019-2022) |
The City of Fort Saskatchewan has made progress on reducing fatalities and serious injuries as well as overall total collisions on our roadways over the years. With the implementation of the Safety System Approach to traffic safety which encourages a better understanding of the key elements of the road system, road users including: drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, roads and roadsides and travel speeds. Collisions At a Glance 2023 Collision Quick Facts
- 417 Collisions were reported in the City of Fort Saskatchewan
- 320 Collisions + 97 Hit & Runs
- ZERO fatal collision events occurred
- 20 vulnerable road user collisions have occurred
- 9 pedestrian; 5 motorcycle; 6 cyclist
- 61 Injury-related collisions were reported
- 42 of the 61 injury-related collisions were minor injuries; where the injured party was assessed roadside and able to proceed home without medical intervention
- 19 of the 61 injury-related collisions were major injuries; where the injured party was transported to hospital for immediate medical needs
- Backing up, rear end, and struck object collisions are the top 3 most common primary event (59%)
- 35% of reported collisions took place in intersections
- Tuesday (81) and Friday (75) are the most common days for a collision to occur
- March (41), June (41), and December (40) had the highest number of collisions
- The most common time for collisions to occur was between 3pm – 6pm
Monitoring collision trends The RCMP and Municipal Enforcement Services monitors the previous years collision trends to help plan for key focus areas for the upcoming year. Some of the key focus areas include:
- Speed – speed increases both the frequency and severity of motor vehicle collisions.
- Intersections – the majority of fatal and serious injury collisions are intersection related.
- Education – the majority of collisions are the result of driver behavior. Protective Services will focus on Education and Awareness around safe driving behavior.
City of Fort Saskatchewan Collision Data
Five Year Collision Data
Type of Collision |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Total Collisions |
354 |
377 |
393 |
455 |
417 |
Property Damage Collisions |
302 |
243 |
267 |
275 |
259 |
Injury Collisions |
50 |
42 |
46 |
58 |
61 |
Minor Injuries |
44 |
39 |
40 |
55 |
42 |
Major Injuries |
6 |
3 |
6 |
2 |
19 |
Fatal Events |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Hit & Run |
N/A |
91 |
80 |
122 |
97 |
Primary Cause of Collision
Primary Injury Collision Event |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
% Change 2019-2023 |
Total Fatal Events |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
-100% |
Struck Object |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
Left Turn Across Path |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-100% |
Total Injury Collisions |
50 |
42 |
46 |
58 |
61 |
22% |
Rear End |
18 |
18 |
15 |
16 |
22 |
22% |
Struck Object |
19 |
13 |
9 |
11 |
7 |
-63% |
Left Turn Across Path |
8 |
5 |
5 |
11 |
13 |
63% |
Right Angle |
2 |
2 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
400% |
Backed Up |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
-50% |
Side Swipe |
1 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
200% |
Off-Road |
0 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
100% |
Passing - Left Turn |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
N/A |
Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
400% |
* Collisions involving rear-end are the primary cause of injury collisions PREVENT Rear-End Collisions
- Following to Close
- Failing to maintain the proper safe distance between two vehicles
- Driver distracted driving
- Failing to account for road conditions
- Speeding
Vulnerable Road User Collisions Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders share the roadways with all vehicle operators on a daily basis. These road users, termed vulnerable road users, have less protection than drivers of other types of transportation, making them more vulnerable to imminent roadway hazards.
Five Year Vulnerable User Collisions Data
Type of Collision |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Vulnerable Road User Collisions |
11 |
5 |
5 |
8 |
20 |
Pedestrians |
4 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
9 |
Cyclists |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
Motorcyclists |
4 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|