Speed enforcement cameras coming to a school zone near you

The Region of Waterloo is counting on a speed camerathat automatically issues tickets to drivers to generate revenue next year.

According to recently released budget documents, theautomated speed enforcement (ASE) camera is planned to rotate through different school zones starting in fall 2020.

The cameras track the speed of approachingcarsand take a photo of those that are exceeding the posted limit. A ticket is then sentto the address associated with the car's license plate.

The camera is projected to generate4,000 tickets annually, which will "result in an additional revenue stream," the report states.

That is a "very rough approximate estimate," according to Bob Henderson, who is the manager of transportation engineering at the region.

Additions to the Highway Traffic Actearlier this monthcleared the way for local governments to install the cameras.

According to those regulations, the camerasmust have been "tested and established to be accurate within the 12 months immediately preceding the date of offence," in order for the picture to be valid as proof of speeding.

A sign, notifying drivers of the camera, mustbe displayed while the camera is active. It is also noted that the sign can not be displayed when there is no camera present.

The speed camera program is currently being reviewed by the Region'stransportation division, who also oversee red light cameras.

Red light cameras, which operate in the same way as ASEs,are projected to generate $1,696,000 in fine revenuefor the region in 2019.

"Automated speed enforcement will certainly increase socialawarenessof the need to drive safely in the school zones," Benoit Borgault, general manager of theStudent Transportation Services of Waterloo Region said in an email.