Since its inception in 1993, Photo Radar has proved to be an extremely accurate and effective means of traffic enforcement. Violators are photographed as they pass by a Photo Radar location enabling police to produce valid evidence in court. Radar detectors are comparatively ineffective against Photo Radar because of the way in which the radar signal is directed across the road.
To date, Photo Radar has been challenged on technical and constitutional arguments, even up to the Court of Appeal in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. However, the issue of photo radar has withstood all appeals and petitions.
Currently the Edmonton Police Service contracts Photo Radar Operators, who are appointed Peace Officers, from the Corps of Commissionaires, to conduct photo radar enforcement at various locations throughout the city.
The Registered Owner of a vehicle involved in a speed infraction is charged under Section 160(1) of the Traffic Safety Act which states, "If a vehicle is involved in an offence referred to in Section 157 or a bylaw, the owner of that vehicle is guilty of an offence." Because you are charged as the registered owner of the vehicle, and you have not been charged as a driver, a guilty plea will not result in any demerit points being assessed to your operator's license.