Quebec's photo radar starts ticketing

Photo radar to curb speedingis officially in effect across Quebec, starting Wednesday.

For the past three months, dozens of photo radar units have been up and running but drivers have only been getting warnings, without tickets. That trial period is now over.

Transport Quebec confirmed that photo radar cameras can be activated even if a drivergoes barelyover the speed limit. But they said provincial policeofficers willreview all cases before a ticket is issued. These reviews will also allow police to look up the owners of out-of-province cars caught speeding on photo radar and issue them tickets as well.

Transport Quebec said they won't issue demerit points along with photo radar tickets at this point because they would need to confirm the driver's identity.

Quebec's photo radar pilot project is expected to run until February 2011. But Transport Quebec has plans to review the program after one year and submit a report to thelegislaturefor study.

Alfredo Munoz, a former police officer, runs a business called SOS Tickets, which helps drivers contest their traffic violations. He said photo radar won't make Quebecers safer drivers.

"I've been working so many years with the police force, that the only way to stop somebody to drive like that or reckless driving or speeding, it would be a police officer. Only a police officer will be able to stop the person from driving as fast," Munoz said.

Munoz predictedthe government willuse photo radar as a cash cow. Quebec Transport Minister Julie Boulet saidrevenue willgo into the province's highway safety fund.

Transport Quebec says fines will be the same as those issued by police officers. Fines for running a red light are about $150; speeding fines can go as high as $1,200.