These articles can originally be found on the City of Lloydminster website and are written by the Mayor of Lloydminster.
Traffic, traffic flow, and traffic speeds generate a great deal of discussion and concern in our city. As Lloydminster has grown, so has the volume of traffic generated by both businesses and residents. Highway 16 also remains busy day and night as commodities and finished goods move east and west through our city.
Traffic lights have also been a longstanding topic of discussion. I have received several concerns and suggestions about how traffic light timing could be improved. Over the past several years, the City has undertaken a capital project to modernize the hardware and software responsible for traffic management. Sensors were installed to provide real-time data, allowing the system to adjust to changing traffic volumes. As with any technology, however, the system does not always respond perfectly and immediately, and adjustments may be needed as traffic patterns and volumes change. The goal is to keep traffic moving as safely and efficiently as possible throughout our growing community.
Another frequent topic is speeding, which often leads to a discussion about photo radar. The debate generally comes down to public safety versus the perception that photo radar is simply a cash grab for municipalities. I would like to provide some perspective on this issue from where I sit as mayor.
Photo radar has, in some Alberta communities, been criticized as a tool for generating revenue rather than improving public safety. However, photo radar enforcement only results in a ticket when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. In Lloydminster, the program was originally implemented using an outside contractor and later transitioned to internal services, with enforcement focused on playground and school zones, areas identified through public concerns, and high-volume traffic areas. Revenue from the program first covered the City’s cost of providing the service, with remaining funds allocated annually to traffic deterrence, pedestrian safety programs, and crosswalk enhancements throughout the city.
Following a lengthy consultation process, the Alberta government introduced new guidelines that significantly reduced the locations where photo radar could be used. These changes reached a point where the program could no longer cover its costs. In response, City Council and administration transitioned some photo radar staff into bylaw officer positions.
The challenge for City Council is determining the most effective and financially responsible approach to traffic enforcement moving forward. Additional RCMP resources come at an approximate cost of $240,000 per officer per year, while hiring peace officers and purchasing the necessary equipment would cost approximately $156,000 per officer per year. These costs demonstrate the challenge of replacing the lower-cost enforcement option that photo radar once provided.
We have heard from residents who would prefer drivers be stopped and ticketed directly rather than receiving a ticket in the mail weeks later. While I understand that perspective, in-person enforcement comes with a significantly higher cost that is ultimately borne by all taxpayers, regardless of where or how they drive.
On the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster, photo radar has not been operated by the City or SGI. The Saskatchewan government, through SGI, previously operated a photo radar program at select locations across the province where collision and traffic history demonstrated a need for additional enforcement. Revenue generated through the program was reinvested in traffic safety initiatives through grants available to municipalities. Lloydminster has received funding through these programs to support pedestrian safety improvements on the Saskatchewan side of the city.
There will always be arguments for and against photo radar. My preference would be that tickets were not necessary at all because everyone drove the posted speed limit. At the end of the day, speeding is a self-inflicted cost. Regardless of how traffic laws are enforced, the simplest way to avoid a ticket is to follow the posted speed limit.
Read more: Moment with Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers
This is despotic way to look at law enforcement. “we only enforce laws when it is profitable to do so”
the question to ask, “Is speeding a problem in Lloyminster?”
I think that when we travel on hwy 16, the traffic flows pretty well, most do slightly over the speed limit and its not a problem. Most accidents I see are at intersections, meaning thats not a speeding issue. So if you care about safety, perhaps we need to go after these people. There are people that can’t figure out intersections. Do I need to list the reasons why (the list is long and grey)
Council is also looking at reducing the speed limits in town.
One must ask, what does that do for efficiency in our city. Yes, slower is safer. Obviously, but why? Is it because the city can’t be bothered to maintaim roads to a certain standard. So lets just accept poor quality infrastructures and lower the speed. Because that what it looks like in some parts of thr city.
Anyways, I would like to finish by pointing out that priorities of a community should be roads, public safety, garbage collection and waste water management. all budget points under attack by this council for the last decade and accelerating. while they want to spend spend spend on leisure activities. Get your priorities straight.
They say vote. I’ll vote alright. I’ll vote with my feet if these shennanigans keep going on.