Nov. 6, 1998: Cameras introduced to Edmonton intersections - Action News
Home WebMail Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 06:13 PM | Calgary | -5.3°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
EdmontonFROM THE ARCHIVES

Nov. 6, 1998: Cameras introduced to Edmonton intersections

Drivers were divided over the installation of new cameras at Edmonton intersections in 1998.

'It's kind of sneaky,' one motorist says

Click! Edmonton gets traffic cameras in 1998

7 years ago
Duration 1:40
When traffic cameras were introduced to Edmonton intersections 19 years ago, they drew a mixed response.

The City of Edmonton introduced red light cameras 19 years ago in an effort tomake roads safer for pedestrians and drivers. But not everybodysupportedthe initiative, CBC reporter Lyle Cottlearned.

The police said it was a way of testing drivers to see if they were living up to the rules of the road.

Dr. Louis Francescutti speaks about new traffic cameras. (CBC)

Safety expert Dr. Louis Francescuttialsolauded the cameras.

"I'd love to see these cameras at every intersection," he said. "And what'll happen is people will understand that these are very serious consequences."

But drivers were less enthused.

"It's kind of sneaky," one motorist said.

Drivers who were caught in violation by the cameras were given warnings for the first month, but$57 fines were introduced after that.

Despitecomplaints about the cameras, they were shownto be effective at reducing driving violations.