Coaldale Halts Photo Radar Enforcement Until 2026

Drivers in Coaldale will experience a reprieve from photo radar tickets as the Town Council voted to suspend its Automated Traffic Enforcement program for the rest of 2025. The decision comes in light of significant operational disruptions, including a lockout of town employees earlier this month and ongoing negotiations involving Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

The council recognized that the potential for interruptions in postal services has hindered the timely delivery of traffic violation tickets. Mayor Jack Van Rijn emphasized the importance of notifying residents promptly about any infractions. “Council’s view is that if you receive a traffic violation, it should be delivered to you in a timely manner—not months later due to circumstances beyond your control,” he stated. He added that the current backlog of photo radar tickets will result in offending drivers receiving warnings instead of fines.

Impact of Alberta’s New Regulations

This suspension coincides with changes implemented by the Alberta Government in April 2025, which redefined the parameters for photo radar enforcement. The new regulations restrict the use of photo radar to specific areas, including school zones, playgrounds, and construction sites. Municipalities may also submit requests for additional enforcement locations in areas with a high incidence of collisions.

While some municipalities, such as Lethbridge, have adapted to the new guidelines by maintaining their photo radar programs, others, including Taber, have chosen to discontinue their usage. The council plans to evaluate the long-term viability of Coaldale’s photo radar program in the first quarter of 2026.

In light of these developments, residents can expect a temporary halt in the issuance of tickets, allowing them to reflect on their driving behavior without the immediate pressure of fines. The council’s commitment to fairness in traffic enforcement underscores the ongoing balancing act between public safety and operational efficiency.