The provincial government announced yesterday that a pilot project with photo speed enforcement (PSE) permanent will now become permanent and changes are coming to the way the fees are disrupted.  

"We looked at the numbers," explained Joe Hargrave, Minister Responsible for SGI, "and we saw that the numbers were there. Traffic safety and safety on our highways and safety in our communities is extremely important to us. That's what prompted us to make this photo speed enforcement permanent."

Sites of PSE were in Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw and for a time in Martensville for the pilot project. 

"But it's not just about those communities, it's about the whole province of Saskatchewan. And the whole province is in need of safety in our school zones. I have six grandkids and I worry about them."

A new traffic safety committee made up of government, SGI, RCMP, municipal police, SUMA, SARM and FSIN will now oversee the allocation of the money raised through the revenue from PSE tickets. Various communities around the province can apply to pay for safety improvements even if their community does not have PSE. 

"They'll look at the locations, they'll look at the history of speed in that area, of collisions in that area and they'll determine in additional cameras are warranted or if they just say we need a traffic calming device, they'll determine that."

According to the press release:

"Effective Jan. 1, 2019, ticket revenue from PSE will be allocated as follows:

"Highway locations – 25% of ticket revenue goes to the General Revenue Fund (GRF); remaining 75% goes to the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund, minus amount needed to recoup program expenses."

"Municipal locations – 25% of ticket revenue goes to the GRF; remaining 75% will be split 50/50 between a Provincial Traffic Safety Fund and the municipality to be invested in traffic safety initiatives, minus amount needed to recoup program expenses."

"Eligible traffic safety initiatives could include traffic calming measures, traffic signal upgrades or pedestrian crossings."