The van used for photo-radar in the Town of Coaldale is being sold to Coaldale Citizens on Patrol for a symbolic $1.
According to a release from the town, the decision was made during Monday night’s regular council meeting. According to Mayor Jack Van Rijn, since their term started, council has put a focus on enhancing the community’s public safety.
“That’s why we approved $2,500 in seed money to start up a local COP group in May of 2023, and that’s ultimately why we decided to green light giving this van to Coaldale COP during our last meeting,” Van Rijn says.
“Giving the van to Coaldale COP not only aligns with our commitment to public safety but also, ensures that this group of dedicated volunteers has the resources they need to contribute to the security and well-being of our residents.”
The decision to repurpose the van is a result of province’s decision to restrict photo radar speed enforcement to school zones, playground zones, and construction zones. With this change, town officials say they no longer needed a vehicle that was solely dedicated to photo-radar enforcement.
The statement from the town reads, “Once ownership of the van is transferred, Coaldale COP will assume full responsibility for insuring, maintaining, and operating the vehicle.”
“In recognition of the value that Coaldale COP brings to the community, [the town] will reimburse Coaldale COP for operational expenses such as vehicle insurance, fuel, and oil changes.”
COP will start using the van for active patrols once they have insurance on the vehicle. Since it was launched in 2023, COP volunteers have acted as extra eyes and ears for local law enforcement. If something is happening in the community that sounds or looks like it is criminal in nature, the volunteers will report it to Coaldale RCMP.
