Wakaw intersection photo radar to start ticketing on Friday

Drivers going through the intersection of Highways 41 and 2 at Wakaw are going to have to be a bit more aware of their speed.

Photo speed enforcement cameras were installed at the intersection in January. Since then, the cameras have been clicking, but are only sending out warnings to speeders according to Tyler McMurchy of Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

“This was to allow motorists in, or travelling through the area, to give them time to adjust their driving habits, and just be aware that the cameras are there,” he said. “But starting on April 24, those cameras will now result in actual tickets.”

McMurchy said tickets will be just like if you were pulled over by RCMP or police, except there are no demerits.

“For example, if you are exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h, the ticket will be $190,” McMurchy told northeastNOW.

Over the span of the last two-and-a-half months or so, the boxes have recorded about 640 speeding infractions. However, McMurchy did say that not all of those would result in fines. For example, some of the vehicles speeding could have been an emergency vehicle responding to a call.

McMurchy added, the main goal of photo radar is not to gain revenue, but to change driving habits and hope to have zero tickets, zero collisions, and zero speed-related injuries or fatalities. He said the photo radar cameras aren’t meant to trick drivers.

“All photo speed enforcement locations are clearly marked with very bright, prominent signage,” McMurchy said. “So, drivers should be aware and we encourage them to slow down in those areas.”

The speed limit changes from 100 km/h to 80 km/h as you approach the intersection.

Government announced the approval of the photo speed enforcement boxes in December 2019.