Photo radar cash could be used for community programs

Mayor Don Iveson hopes to change public perceptions of photo radar by spending the revenue on community initiatives.

Right now money from photo radar tickets is given to the citys transportation department to help pay for the photo radar program and fund traffic safety. The rest goes into the transportation department

People have been concerned that if it all goes back into the transportation department, that creates an incentive for the transportation department to do more enforcement, Iveson said.

• Mayor Don Iveson strikes back at photo radar critics

The 2015 operating budget included a proposal to cap that amount, and send the rest of the cash to a reserve fund which could be spent on community projects.

While he said he doesnt think the transportation is abusing photo radar enforcement, he would like to put the extra money back into the hands of council.

Creating a reserve would create that transparency.

Ivesonwould like to see the extra photo radar money go into grants for nonprofits that are separate from the city.

We could take it to the bottom line of the city and lower taxes, we could use it to pay for things like snow removal, Iveson said. But I think taking it to the bottom line actually would turn it into a cash grab.

Photo radar revenues are expected to go up by $10.9 million in the next budget,the which means more tickets doled out to drivers. The city expects to make $41 million on traffic enforcement in 2015.Iveson credits the increase to more reliable photo radar technology.

Its not that people are speeding more. Its that the equipment is more sensitive, and the tickets stand up in court more than they used to.

Councillors will discuss the citys photo radar policy at Thursdays transportation committee meeting.