Newfoundland Drivers Face $3M in Delayed Speed Camera Tickets
Thousands of drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador are receiving unexpected bills in the mail – speed camera tickets totaling over $3.12 million. The tickets, issued for offenses ranging from $200 to $1,900, are the result of a pause in the program during last fall’s Canada Post strike.
Canada Post Strike Caused Ticket Backlog
The previous administration decided to hold off on mailing tickets during the two-month labour disruption. Minister of Government Services Mike Goosney explained he didn’t want to make “knee jerk decisions” upon taking office, but the program is now being rolled out. The delay has resulted in a significant influx of tickets arriving simultaneously.
Debate Over Speed Camera Effectiveness
The Opposition critic for government services, Sarah Stoodley, expressed disappointment over the delayed rollout, arguing that a lack of ticketing could lead to drivers disregarding speed limits. She highlighted that speed cameras are known to influence driver behaviour and improve road safety.
Solar Panel Theft Briefly Interrupted Program
The speed camera program faced another, albeit temporary, setback last summer when solar panels powering cameras on the Veterans Memorial Highway were stolen. However, the vendor quickly implemented an alternative power source to maintain camera operation while repairs were made.
Expansion of Speed Camera Network Planned
Currently, seven speed cameras are operational across the province, located in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, and Gander, as well as on the Veterans Memorial Highway. Three additional cameras are planned for installation. Camera locations are determined by traffic data and in consultation with local police and municipalities, focusing on areas with a demonstrated risk of excessive speeding.
Program Costs and Revenue
The provincial government signed a $3.9 million, five-year contract with Jenoptik Smart Mobility Solutions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the speed camera system. To date, the program has collected $45,338 in fines.
Pilot Program Results
A three-month pilot program conducted in the summer of 2023 in Mount Pearl and Paradise captured over 94,000 instances of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by at least 11 km/h. During the pilot, warnings were issued instead of tickets.
Focus on Safety, Not Revenue
Both Goosney and Stoodley emphasized that the primary goal of the speed camera program is not revenue generation, but rather to encourage safer driving habits and reduce collisions. Stoodley stated the ideal outcome would be no speeding, no accidents, and no revenue collected.
FAQ
- What is the range of fines for speed camera tickets? Fines range from $200 to $1,900.
- Where are the speed cameras located? Cameras are located in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Gander, and on the Veterans Memorial Highway.
- Is the goal of the program to raise revenue? No, the primary goal is to improve road safety.
- What caused the delay in issuing tickets? The tickets were delayed due to the Canada Post strike last fall.
Pro Tip: Regularly check your mail for official notices, especially if you frequently travel in areas with speed cameras. Promptly addressing tickets can often prevent additional penalties.
Have you received a speed camera ticket in the mail recently? Share your experience in the comments below!
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