Saskatchewan is facing increased risks of speeding, accidents, and unsafe road conditions due to the temporary suspension of speed cameras while the province seeks a new vendor. The Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) announced on June 25 that the speed cameras would be inactive following the early termination of a contract with Redflex Traffic Systems Limited, which had operated nine cameras since 2020 in various locations, including highways and school zones. Experts warn that the absence of these cameras may lead to more dangerous driving behaviors, similar to trends observed in Ontario after cameras were removed last year, where speeding and fatal crashes increased significantly. Despite the deactivation of speed cameras, SGI reassured that police enforcement of speed limits continues throughout the province.
Why It Matters
The deactivation of speed cameras in Saskatchewan raises significant concerns about road safety and the potential for increased traffic violations. Historical data from Ontario indicates that the removal of speed cameras led to a rise in speeding incidents and fatal crashes, highlighting the effectiveness of automated enforcement in reducing dangerous driving behavior. A study from Toronto’s SickKids hospital showed that speed cameras decreased speeding in urban school zones by 45 percent, emphasizing the role of such measures in promoting safety. With only a limited number of police officers available to cover vast areas, the absence of speed cameras may hinder effective traffic enforcement and increase risks on the roads.
