The Calgary Police Service (CPS) uses Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) to improve road safety by reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
The CPS ATE program uses both photo radar vehicles and Intersection Safety Cameras (ISCs) to enforce traffic violations in:
- Locations where it may be unsafe for police officers to conduct manned enforcement.
- Areas where the safety of pedestrians, construction zone workers or other drivers might be compromised by a manned traffic stop.
The CPS follows the Automated Traffic Enforcement Guidelines set out by the Government of Alberta.
The ATE program supports the Calgary Safer Mobility Plan – a five-year plan aimed at improving the safety of Calgary’s transportation network.
Photo radar
Photo radar detects speeding vehicles and triggers a camera to capture an image. The photo radar vehicle is operated by a Calgary Police Service Peace Officer, and is deployed to address specific speeding concerns in communities.
As a vehicle enters the radar beam, its speed is calculated. If the vehicle exceeds the posted limit, an audible alarm sounds and a photo is taken. During low light periods, a flash is incorporated to enhance the image.
When a traffic violation is detected, a ticket is issued and mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
The CPS currently operates 14 photo radar vehicles, deployed to more than 400 photo radar locations, in accordance with the Government of Alberta ATE guidelines.
Intersection Safety Cameras (ISCs)
ISCs are stationary devices at signalized intersections that detect intersection speed and red-light violations. They are installed at locations based on frequency and severity of collisions.
The cameras operate using lane-specific roadway sensors and can take a photo with more than one vehicle in the picture. When a traffic violation is detected, a ticket is issued and mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
Currently, there are 57 ISC locations in Calgary.
Impact on drivers
Drivers who legally follow the Alberta Traffic Safety Act will not be affected by Automated Traffic Enforcement. Photo radar and ISCs are designed to promote safe driving and prevent dangerous collisions.
Program effectiveness
Since the program began, there have been significant improvements at ISC locations (comparing 2000 to 2023):
- Total collisions decreased by 33 per cent
- Fatal collisions decreased by 75 per cent
- Injury collisions decreased by 56 per cent
Analysis of photo radar has shown a decrease in injury collisions by 69 per cent at 20 of the most frequently deployed locations.
Ticketing and enforcement
All violation images are reviewed by a trained CPS Peace Officer before tickets are issued.
Automated Traffic Enforcement tickets from photo radar and ISCs are mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
- No demerit points are issued for ATE tickets
- Tickets do not impact driving records or insurance
- Tickets cannot be reassigned to another driver
- Anyone can act as your agent and attend provincial court on your behalf for a ticket issued
Ticket payment or disputes
You must respond to the ticket on or before the date and time printed on the document.
Tickets can be paid at a provincial court office, a registry office, or online.
Tickets can be disputed online or by mail. Refer to the options section on the violation ticket for details or use the QR code to pay or dispute your ticket online.
Ticket payment and revenue
Fifteen per cent of fine revenue goes to victim services. The remainder is distributed between the province and the municipality. Late payment penalties go to the province.
Traffic Concerns and Complaints
If you have a traffic concern in your community, contact the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section at 403-428-4000 to review the issue and determine the resources required to address your concern.
Requests can also be made online through the CPS Traffic Service Request (TSR) form.
Contact Information
For questions about tickets that have been issued:
- Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit 403-428-4026
- Other questions: Email Calgary Police Ticket Control or call 403-428-5991
- Court-related questions: Email Provincial Traffic Court or call 403-297-2283
Annual ATE Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ISCs photograph every vehicle?
No. Only vehicles that enter the intersection after the light turns red and fail to stop, or that are exceeding the posted speed limit are photographed.
Are left-turn violations ticketed?
Yes, unless turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street. A full stop is always required before turning.
Are right-turn violations ticketed?
No. Currently, the Calgary Police Service does not issue tickets for righthand turns on red.
Why did the camera flash if I wasn’t speeding or running a red light?
Flashes may occur due to technical reasons. Tickets are only issued after a thorough review confirms a violation.
Will I get a ticket if I’m already in the intersection when the light turns red?
No. If you entered the intersection before the light turned red, no ticket will be issued.
Does stopping partway into the intersection result in a ticket?
Generally, you will receive a ticket if your entire vehicle crosses the stop line. All images are reviewed by a trained CPS Peace Officer before tickets are issued, and consideration is generally given for slippery road conditions.
Why does the ticket say “on or about” for the date/time?
This is legally required wording on the offence notice.
There were other vehicles travelling beside me in the photo. How do you know I was the one speeding?
If there is more than one vehicle in the photograph for photo radar infractions, the ticket will not be issued. Intersection Safety Camera photos can have more than one vehicle in the photo; they are lane-specific.
Are the small cameras above traffic lights ATE?
No. The City of Calgary uses these cameras to monitor traffic flow and road conditions.
Can I view a better picture of the offence?
You can view the photo up to 12 months after the offence date at the front counter of the Calgary Police Service Headquarters Westwinds Campus, located at 5111 47 Street N.E., on the following dates and times:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What if my vehicle or licence plate was lost or stolen and I received a ticket?
Contact the CPS Specialized Traffic Enforcement Unit at 403-428-4026 or the CPS Traffic Section at 403-428-4000. Please include the ticket number and the Calgary Police Service or other police service case number.
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