'Police should be funded on the basis of need, not on traffic fines,' said Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp
Calgary City Council has moved to remove photo radar fine revenues from the police budget, redirecting these funds to traffic safety measures. The province's decision to reduce photo radar use by 70% by 2025 has left a $28 million gap in the police budget, which will now be covered by taxpayers. Council also supports the Calgary Police Commission (CPC) in advocating for the reinstatement of photo radar in high-collision areas. Fine revenues will be allocated to a reserve fund for traffic safety infrastructure. The province's changes, including the elimination of photo radar on provincial highways, have been criticized by councillors, who argue that police funding should be based on need rather than fines.
