As of May 19, Québec motorists will have to pay particular attention to their speed on certain parts of the highway, as that's when photo radars will be making their appearance alongside traffic cameras at red lights.
In fact, only 15 stationary or mobile units will be installed in three regions across the province of Québec, chosen specifically because they present a high risk for traffic accidents and because they are located in areas where police access is difficult.
All three types of devices will be installed in the Montreal region, both on the highway and in urban areas. The Montérégie and Chaudière-Appalaches region near the city of Québec are the two other targeted areas.
"We are using a proven technology that has been adopted elsewhere. In France, for instance, there has been a 75% decrease in road accidents since photo radar was introduced. We are confident that we'll see the same results here. And we want to make on thing clear: these devices are not here to trap motorists, but to encourage them to improve their driving habits," said Transport Minister Julie Boulet.
Pilot Project
Nothing has been formally confirmed as to the massive introduction of this type of equipment, and the project announced this morning is still in its infancy. Its deployment will be just as progressive, as motorists at fault will only receive warnings during the first three months.
The actual impact of the photo radar system will then be evaluated over an 18-month period, during which time fines will be issued in due form. Moreover, the money collected during this campaign will go into a road safety fund, the as-yet-undetermined use of which will be announced at a later date following the recommendations of the Québec road safety task force.
To ensure that all motorists are aware of the project's existence, the deployment sites will be announced on the Government of Québec's Web site, and special signage will go up at the selected sites.
Technical details have also been revealed. It will be up to employers and vehicle lessors to identify the driver when a fine is issued. The fine will be accompanied by a picture clearly showing the licence plate as well as the date and time of the offence but blurring the passenger compartment so as to keep the number of passengers confidential, in the name of privacy.
"Several Canadian provinces and over 70 public administrations around the world have chosen this technology to help reduce the number of accidents. We believe it is important to do the same in Québec," concluded the minister.
photo:Transport Québec
In fact, only 15 stationary or mobile units will be installed in three regions across the province of Québec, chosen specifically because they present a high risk for traffic accidents and because they are located in areas where police access is difficult.
All three types of devices will be installed in the Montreal region, both on the highway and in urban areas. The Montérégie and Chaudière-Appalaches region near the city of Québec are the two other targeted areas.
"We are using a proven technology that has been adopted elsewhere. In France, for instance, there has been a 75% decrease in road accidents since photo radar was introduced. We are confident that we'll see the same results here. And we want to make on thing clear: these devices are not here to trap motorists, but to encourage them to improve their driving habits," said Transport Minister Julie Boulet.
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Pilot Project
Nothing has been formally confirmed as to the massive introduction of this type of equipment, and the project announced this morning is still in its infancy. Its deployment will be just as progressive, as motorists at fault will only receive warnings during the first three months.
The actual impact of the photo radar system will then be evaluated over an 18-month period, during which time fines will be issued in due form. Moreover, the money collected during this campaign will go into a road safety fund, the as-yet-undetermined use of which will be announced at a later date following the recommendations of the Québec road safety task force.
To ensure that all motorists are aware of the project's existence, the deployment sites will be announced on the Government of Québec's Web site, and special signage will go up at the selected sites.
Technical details have also been revealed. It will be up to employers and vehicle lessors to identify the driver when a fine is issued. The fine will be accompanied by a picture clearly showing the licence plate as well as the date and time of the offence but blurring the passenger compartment so as to keep the number of passengers confidential, in the name of privacy.
"Several Canadian provinces and over 70 public administrations around the world have chosen this technology to help reduce the number of accidents. We believe it is important to do the same in Québec," concluded the minister.
photo:Transport Québec