Red light cameras and photo radar could be coming to New Brunswick in the near future.
The Higgs government has introduced legislation which would allow municipalities to use this technology.
Under the proposed legislation, police would review the camera footage and if a driver is caught breaking the law, a ticket with a photo of the offence would be mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
The driver would have to pay a fine but would not lose demerit points.
“We’ve all seen countless examples of motorists ignoring the speed limit, running red lights or passing stopped school buses which had their lights flashing,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Ted Flemming.
“It is impossible for law enforcement personnel to be everywhere at once to witness acts that put other drivers, passengers and pedestrians, including children, in danger. This is where the use of technology can be helpful.”
Six provinces already have legislation allowing cameras which governments claim have reduced accidents, injuries and fatalities.
However, New Brunswick would become the first province to use automated licence plate readers.
“Allowing municipalities to incorporate these technological tools has the potential to make our streets and highways safer, by serving as a deterrent to speeding and other dangerous driving acts that put the public at risk,” said Flemming.
“Municipalities have been calling for legislation to allow the use of these tools. We are pleased to table the legislative framework to allow them to put this into practice.”
