Photo radar or Automatic Traffic Enforcement has ended in Taber.
The decision to cancel the photo radar program was made last year when Taber Town Council ended the contract with the City of Lethbridge, as of December 2024. The City operated the program on the Town of Taber’s behalf.
“This announcement is being shared now to maintain transparency and happens to align with the Government of Alberta’s recent decision to end most photo radar programs. Introduced to address speeding and other traffic violations in high-risk areas, photo radar played a role in promoting safer driving habits throughout the community. Over time, the program met with a noticeable improvement in driving behaviour and fewer traffic violations being recorded, but there was also the public perception of photo radar becoming a ‘cash cow’ for governments,” notes the Town.
Over the past five years, the Town significantly reduced its reliance on fine revenue in its budgets. “As driving habits improved, the Town lowered its fine revenue expectations each year, ultimately reaching zero dollars in the 2025 Operating Budget. For more than five years, the Town has viewed traffic fines as neither a sustainable nor a desirable source of funding, preferring instead to focus on proactive measures to ensure community safety and finding revenues from more reliable sources.”
According to the Town, the conclusion of the photo radar program does not mean an end to traffic safety initiatives in Taber. “The Taber Police Service will continue to focus on high-priority areas, including school and playground zones, ensuring these remain safe for children, families and all road users.”
Taber Police Service will also maintain a visible presence across the community, reinforcing the importance of responsible driving, adds the Town. “The various photo radar warning signs around the community will be removed in due course. These signs are different from the ‘automatic speed signs’ that display a driver’s speed. Those signs will remain as a reminder for motorists to obey the posted speed limit. With photo radar no longer in use, drivers are reminded to follow all traffic laws and speed limits, especially in school and playground zones where safety is key.”
Speeding, the Town explains, now comes with demerit points and could affect insurance rates.
“Council’s decision to end the photo radar program reflects our commitment to balancing public safety with community priorities. While the program played a role in improving driving habits, we recognize the importance of moving forward with enforcement strategies that are effective, transparent and supported by our residents. The safety of our roads, especially in critical areas like school and playground zones, remains a top priority. We’re confident in our Police Service’s ability to maintain and enhance traffic safety in Taber,” says Mayor Andrew Prokop
According to Taber Police Service Chief Graham Abela, the Police Service is committed to traffic safety in the community, especially ensuring children are safe in playground and school zones. “With ATE leaving our community, the Police Service will be vigilant in enforcing driving laws, and where appropriate, issuing violation tickets for offences. Losing ATE wasn’t a surprise to us. Although we believe it’s an effective tool for speed enforcement, we will rely on traditional enforcement moving forward. Drivers are reminded speeding violations issued by a police officer will normally come with demerit points that will impact insurance rates and lead to possible license suspensions.”
“We’ve seen a dramatic decrease in the number of ATE violations over the past three years and we attribute this to driving behaviour. Let’s all work together to keep our community safe,” adds Abela.
