Who Gets the Revenue?
(Provided In Part By Halotic)
Well, for now the City Police Department is the happy recipient of some of it. Former Police Chief Jxxx Lxxxxxx realized there might be a substantial amount of bad press associated with all that wealth so at one point he tried to give it to the city administration in return for an equal amount of revenue in his operating budget. So far, city council have refused to bite. When the ex-chief thought his bureaucracy-building revenue might be threatened by Provincial Legislators, he warned the Provincial Government to keep their hands out of his pie.
But there is a kicker here - the Edmonton Police Department does not get all the ticket revenue generated from photo radar. The city does not really own the photo radar machines, they lease them along with a "service" from a firm known as Affiliated Computer Services (ACS). The original photo radar contractor for the Edmonton Police Service photo radar program was Canadian Public Technologies (CPT). CPT had some lucrative years and then sold their interest in the cash cow, in December 1998, to Lockheed Martin, a huge U.S. defense contractor. In 2001, Lockheed, perhaps tiring of the photo radar class action lawsuits brought against them in places like Denver Colorado, decided to get out of the business and sold out to ACS.
The original Photo Radar contract between the city and CPT was let in 1995 and ran for a period of 3 years. CPT got $797,600 dollars at the time and were paid an additional $9.87 for each ticket paid by Edmonton motorists.
In June of 1999, the City of Edmonton renewed their contract for a further 5 years. Under the terms of the renewal, the contractor gets $300,000 per year to rent the Photo Radar machines to the city and $14.50 (escalating to $16.00 in later years) per paid ticket.
Edmonton Police obviously thought there would be a problem with how the public perceives Photo Radar though for they added another clause to the new contract. The contractor must kick back 50 cents of their revenue from each ticket to the Edmonton Police Service. This money is disbursed by the sergeant in charge of the EPS Traffic Section to fund a "Community Awareness Program". A simple calculation reveals that in 2001, Sgt. Tom Bexx had over $97,000 to inform the public of all the good his marvelous photo radar program is doing for the citizens of Edmonton. Unfortunately, Bxxx's annual propaganda campaign does not include such mundane details as the amount of money EPS raises from the cash cow speed trap system.
Contract information was released by city lawyers only after many letters to the Mayor and Police Pfficials complaining about the secrecy surrounding their photo radar program. Even then, however, the copy of the contract provided was heavily censored. Such items as management reports, equipment service and maintenance policy, traffic data reports, technical reports, copies of operating manuals and even the section outlining how the winning photo radar system complied with the requirements of the city's statement of work were removed from the original contract.
I have asked in writing that the censored information be made available to the public but have been repeatedly denied. Kind of makes a person wonder what there is about the Edmonton Police Service Photo Radar program that is deserving of all the secrecy.
As the Edmonton Police Photo Radar program grows, huge multinational contractors become even richer from milking their Photo Radar machines. It would appear PhotoRradar means big revenue for big business as well as job security and easy work for some members of the Edmonton police force.
This is who receives the money from Photo Radar in Edmonton. You would have to check within your own Governmental Jurisdication where you live to find out more accurately. My guess is to look at whomever promotes it as being an "Effective" tool at reducing accidents as being the largest beneficiary of the funds.
Recently due to all the corruption associated with ACS here in Edmonton, the City has taken over all aspects of running the Photo Radar System. ACS is out.
What are Edmonton Police hiding?
For one thing, they are hiding all technical data about their Photo Radar equipment. And they are being supported in their secrecy by the Provincial "justice" minister representitive and his plethora of bureaucrats in the Provincial "justice" system.
As a citizen and taxpayer of Alberta I want to see the operating and maintenance manuals for the Photo Radar equipment used by Edmonton Police. I believe it is vital that citizens know what is being done to ensure photo radar machinery is maintained in good condition and is operated correctly. I want to see the calibration certificates for Photo Radar equipment that the EPS uses. I think it is important that citizens be able to verify all recommended and specified tests have been conducted to ensure photo radar equipment is accurate. Surely this is a reasonable request to make of an honest, above-board, enforcement system with nothing to hide.
· I have approached the Edmonton Police Service in writing on several occasions asking permission to read the Photo Radar manuals. I have been rebuffed on every occasion.
· I have approached our Mayor at the time, in writing on several occasions and have asked to see the Photo Radar manuals. Seems he doesn't want to get off the fence on this issue; he flat out stated he wasn't going to get involved.
· I have asked the Provincial Crown Prosecutor's office, in writing, on several occasions to authorize release of the information so I would be able to defend myself against a Photo Radar Ticket. The prosecutor's office ignored me as long as they could and then the Crown Prosecutor at the time wrote back with a terse one-paragraph statement that he would not provide access to the information I requested.
· I wrote Mr. Hxxxxxxx, the "justice" minister at the time and verbally expressed my dismay about a governing bureaucracy that found it necessary to withhold information from citizens in order to support a corrupt unjust revenue-raising system. The "justice" minister wrote back and told me I couldn't see the information.
· I have requested access to the Photo Radar manuals through Lockheed Martin on several occasions. Mr. Rob xxxxxxx, manager of Lockheed Martin's Edmonton office refuses to let me see the material.
· I have approached the Edmonton City Clerk's office on several occasions and asked for the information. They said I couldn't have it. So I appealed to the City of Edmonton under the Provincial Freedom of Information (FOIP) Act... and was again denied the information.
· I have requested, before a magistrate, that the court order this information released so I could adequately defend myself against the
Photo Radar juggernaut. The magistrate refused to make such an order.
· As a last resort, I appealed to the Alberta Privacy Commissioner (under the FOIP Act) for the right to view the Photo Radar manuals. It would appear the Alberta FOIP Act is designed more to protect the profits of multinational corporations and greedy police departments than the right of Alberta citizens to defend themselves in the courts. The Privaxcy Commissioner ruled that EPS must continue to deny access to Photo Radar operating and maintenance manuals and Alberta motorists are not entitled to see them in order to defend themselves in the courts.
So why are all these bureaucrats so adamantly hiding technical information about the equipment they use to raise all that Photo Radar revenue?
Well, maybe it's because serious concerns have been raised in other jurisdictions about the accuracy of Photo Radar technology.
Ontario legislators, perhaps a little more conscientious about the laws they pass than Alberta legislators, banned Photo Radar because of doubts about its accuracy. Alaska also found serious problems with the technology. Any police enforcement system that must rely on secrecy to avoid criticism has no place in a properly-functioning democracy. If the technology is accurate, if the technology is fair, if it is effective, then why are we not permitted to see the supporting documentation?
If the technology is not accurate, if it is not fair, if it is not effective, then we are being abused by the people we elect to represent us and we are being abused by the very people, the Police, who are hired to protect us, correct?
We are in effect, Victims of a Police State.
Note. Ontario has now opted for use of Red Light Cameras, however, Photo Radar Cameras are still not being used. The Government that was in power at the time was overthrown and the opposition party won the election on the promise that they would scrap Photo Radar. Pretty powerful election platform.
One issue, and Ontario changes it's Government by winning an election in a Province containing 50% of the Canadian Population.
NEED MORE PROOF OF THE "SCAM" A while ago I talked to an EPS commissioner who was busy manning a Photo Radar van. Perhaps the most telling proof that photo radar is being used as a cash cow were his comments about where they erected temporary signs warning photo radar was is use ahead. He told me Edmonton Police only use such signs where they actually want people to slow down... in places like school zones and construction sites. All other sites are fair game for raising revenue and no temporary warning signs are put up. It's apparently not necessary that people slow down in other locations, only that they send their money to the Edmonton Police Service.
This talkative commissioner also confirmed that EPS Photo Radar Tickets are not sent to out-of-province motorists. Why you might ask? Well I suspect it would cost EPS too much to collect, more than the fine would be in fact. In other words, it wouldn't be cost effective. It's okay for EPS to dip into the wallets of Alberta citizens though, even out of town citizens, because if you don't pay, you don't get to register your vehicle next time your plates come up for renewal. So thanks again to Provincial Regulations, EPS always get their (Alberta) man, and your money, at minimal cost to their cash-cow system.
What effect does Photo Radar have on ordinary citizens going about their daily business? All it does in my opinion is fuel more Greed.
Red Light Cameras
The provincial government paved the way for greedy municipalities by passing Bill 215. Thanks to Dave Brxxx and Wxxxxx Pxxxxxxxx, Edmonton city police now have another great revenue source. And thanks to recent provincial legislation, you will not be able to contest the new technology in the Courts. Have a look at this Edmonton Journal article. So what do traffic cops really think about red light cameras as well as a revealing article quoting a former Calgary officer.
Lights, Camera, Traffic Tickets = More Scam!
Edmonton Journal article by Bxxx Mxx and Mxxxx Cxxxxx, Journal Staff Writers, December 17, 1998.
Edmonton - Police have been given the green light to use red-light cameras.
A change to Alberta's Highway Traffic Act that will take effect January 1 will give police the power to issue tickets to drivers photographed zipping through red lights by un-manned cameras positioned at intersections.
Police will be able to enter evidence with an affidavit, eliminating the need for an officer to appear in court.
The amendment, introduced by Redwater MLA Dxxx Bxxxx, was proclaimed in the legislature Wednesday.
Several jurisdictions in the U.S. and Europe already have automatic ticketing systems.
Sgt. Gxxxx Mxxxx, head of the Edmonton police department's traffic section, is convinced drivers will become more cautious, with the result being a reduction in accidents.
Red-light cameras photograph the offender's vehicle, licence plate, time, date, and location. A ticket will then be mailed to the registered owner of the car.
Meads said using the cameras to convict drivers prior to the amendment would have required the in-court testimony of a police officer and an expert on red-light camera technology.
"The problem before was that the Traffic Act required an eyewitness for corroboration."
Plus, without legislation that said the photo was sufficient evidence, "you would have to prove the technology every time it was used in court."
Edmonton police say an experiment with a single red-light camera at 170th Street and 100th Avenue has proved what they have long known a lot of Edmontonians run red lights.
Although signs were posted warning motorists of a camera at the intersection, 685 drivers were photographed running red lights since it was installed in late September.
But Meaxx said the camera already appears to have had an effect. In the past few weeks, the number of vehicles running red lights has fallen to about nine a day, compared to 12 to 15 per day in the previous months.
"It's a little early to say it's a success. It's showing a bit of a trend and we're certainly happy about that."
Initial proposals called for four cameras to be rotated among 12 high-risk intersections, but Meads isn't sure how many will be needed for proper enforcement or, for that matter, how many cameras police can actually afford.
It costs about $60,000 to buy and install one camera, including digging up the road to put in sensors.
RCMP are using a similar device in Sherwood Park. Fines are $287 so I would suggest you take head to what I have previously written.
The Ontario Government has also moved closer to installing Red-Light Cameras by passing legislation allowing municipalities to test the devices. In fact, Ontario and British Columbia are now using Red Light Cameras.
I am kind of hesitant to write too many negatives about Red Light Cameras if they are Installed Properly and Work Correctly. Kind of hard to argue about saving any life, especially if someone illegally runs a Red Light. However, rolling stops, give me a break! Even the police do that unintentionally. This in itself totally annoys me. I have seen many Officers in my day as a Truck Driver in Edmonton rolling through a Red Light to turn right without stopping. Many, many Officers.
The latest thing that the Provincial Government wants to do is pass Legislation that will enable the Red Light Cameras to Fine you with a Speeding Ticket over and above the $287 Fine you would get for running the light. The Legislation has not yet been passed in Government as of March 2007, but rest assured, it will Pass. This could mean that you could realistically end up with 2 Tickets in your Mail Box. Would you like to have over $500 in potential Fines? I highly doubt it.
LET’S TALK A LITTLE ABOUT REGULAR POLICE ISSUED TICKETS
Now, I have certainly had my share of these tickets in my lifetime. In fact, there was one time when I was close to losing my license because my demerit count got near to 15 and I would have lost my license for what I believe was one month. I was a Professional Truck Driver in my early years and was nailed 3 times in one week in stereotypical speed traps. Of course, I fought them all, and out of 3 tickets, 2 got reduced, and one got tossed because of a no show by the issuing officer. Total savings was somewhere around $200 and I continued to drive and keep my job. Remember, I am no expert, but I learned real early that the Traffic Ticket "System" can be beaten or at least worked into ones favor. You just gotta do it. Be without fear, act like an adult and professional and you should have a good chance at saving some money. This is at the very least. Having the ticket completely tossed is a Bonus, and it does happen. Take my word for it.
In most major cities, police a opting for “Laser” operated devices in lieu of the old “Radar” operated devices. They claim they are more accurate and reliable. So let’s get this strait. Were all the previously issued Tickets, issued wrong? Were we, as motorists screwed over by flawed technology that quite possibly was inaccurate? This certainly leads to some suspicion. However, arguing cases that have come and gone would be futile.
One thing I have always suggested when you are pulled over for Speeding is to just basically Shut Up! The Police Officer or Sheriff will almost always ask you “Do you know why I pulled you over”? (Because you’re an "%&*!" is what usually come to mind, but we all think that).They have to ask this question because they are required to do so by Law. They can’t just pull you over without a reason. If you say nothing, then they will tell you or actually show you what you have done wrong on their Laser or Radar device.
Do yourself a Big favor, and just keep your mouth shut, hand him your documents and let him write you up. When you speak or curse, the officer makes note of this and writes your behavior down on the back of HIS Ticket Copy for evidence in court. If you don’t say anything, especially avoiding swearing at him, it has often been known to work in your favor in court, if it ever actually gets to that point.
As well, some Police take the fact that you have been respectable towards them into account, and cut you some slack right on the spot. It is not uncommon for a Police Officer to come back to your car and tell you that he “clocked” you doing 110 Kmh in an 80 Kmh zone, but, because you treated him with dignity he only wrote you up for 90 Kmh. It is also not uncommon to just get a warning either. Police are people too, with families, lives and are just out doing their job. Remember, I respect the Police, and so should you.
In short, be nice. You’ll get to have your say in court as stated previously if you choose to follow my tips.
Couple things to keep in mind so you know what to expect on 2 issues relative to Alberta Provincial Law.
1) Blow through a Marked Crosswalk while a Pedestrian is crossing the street and get caught by a Police Officer or Sheriff and you're going to be fined somewheres in the neighborhood of $600 dollars with Demerit Points charged against your license. You will also need a Traffic Ticket Specialist or Lawyer to help you. The courts are not very sympathetic to this offense.
2) Blow through a Marked Construction Zone with workers and get caught by a Police Officer or Sheriff, you are going to probably need a Traffic Ticket Specialist or Lawyer as well. The Fines double and so do the Demerit Points charged against your license.
The courts are not very sympathetic to this type of offense either and they shouldn't be. The people on these Construction Sites are working to improve your lifestyle. Obey the Law!
Keep in mind, your Insurance Rates could skyrocket as well and make it unaffordable for you to drive, even if you wanted to. Very important safety issues not only for yourself, but the pedestrians and construction workers.
HERE IS A LITTLE INFORMATION ON HOW LASER RADARS WORK.
Laser radars, also referred to as ladar or lidar, use pulsed laser light instead of continuous microwaves to sense a target. Lasers are extremely pure (coherent) lightwaves, similar to only one (pure) color of light. Note that white light consists of multiple wavelengths (colors) with random (non-coherent) phases. Theodore Maiman of Hughes Aircraft Company (California) built the first working laser using a ruby rod pumped by a flash lamp in May of 1960. Traffic ladars use solid-state diodes to generate laser light.
Laser radars transmit pulsed laser light to measure target range. The time it takes for a laser light pulse to travel (at the speed of light) from the ladar to the target and back is used to compute the distance from the ladar to target and back (distance pulse travels = speed of light x time). Target range from ladar is half of this distance (Range = 0.5 x speed of light x time). The change in target range over time (1/3 second typical) equals target velocity. Laser radar must transmit a minimum of 2 pulses to get at least 2 range measurements at 2 different times to compute speed. In reality laser radars transmit tens to hundreds of pulses per second.
MOTORISTS FIGHT BACK
In San Francisco where the fine for a red light camera ticket is $275, eight in ten drivers avoid getting caught by driving without front license plates. The fine for that offense is only $25.
TIPS & TRICKS I HAVE USED
If you own a pick-up truck, do yourself a huge favor and place a "Hitch Ball" on your bumper. Most vehicles license plates sit relatively low to the ball and if you are photographed from behind with Photo or Red Light cameras, you stand a good chance that your license plate will be obstructed. If you want EVEN BETTER protection, place a "Hitch Ball Cover" that covers the ball and extends at least 1" higher. They are available at most Automotive shops, and they WORK! Just be careful, you might anger some Police Officer and receive a Ticket for Obstructing Your Licence Plate.
Be equally cautious about placing obstructing covers over your place that can distort the plate number. They work like a charm, but It really annoys the Police and they may also fine you for having an obstructed license plate. Mind you, the fines for having these plates or obstructions blocking your vehicles license plate are a little less than a Red Light Camera Ticket.
In the Winter Months, I use the "Artificial Spay On Snow" that can be bought at the local craft stores. Works like a charm, especially right after a snowfall! Shhhh. Don't tell anybody. Kidding, of course.
You could also try the "SPRAYS" that claim to "Block" The Cameras Picture Taking Ability. I don't think it is too expensive to buy and if it does actually work and you save yourself $287 by avoiding a Red Light Camera Ticket, I would say you have spent your money well. Never used them, so I really can't verify there effectiveness.
Now remember, I am not telling you what to do. You decide what is in your own personal best interest. Best advice, and I'll say it again, Obey the Law, Follow the Posted Speed Limits, and Do Not Run Red Lights or Roll Through them without COMPLETELY STOPPING!
I hate to say this, but it is clearly evident that the Authorities are out to get us Motorists for varying reasons. Traffic Safety is Important. No doubt about that. However, this doesn't appear to be the "Real Agenda" of the Authorities. Evidence stated in the E-book clearly dictates otherwise and this is why.
The underlying issue in my opinion is to deflect as best as possible any additional funding that Police Departments receive from the Government and pass that on to us Motorists. When I first got involved with this back in 1996, the City of Edmonton's Police Budget was under $100 Million a year. Now, with growth, it has gone up to well in excess of $225 Million and climbs by about 10% a year. Who pays. We do. For some of us, it really hurts and creates alot of Financial Hardship.....sadly.
ALLRIGHT, SO HERE IS WHERE I AM AT.
I live in Edmonton and love this City. Clean Air. Red Hot Economy. I'm a Canadian and I am proud of it. Don't really have any issues with the Police or any of the Law Enforcement people. Might even run for Mayor one day. Who the heck knows. Some of my buddies said I would make a Great Politician but I would probably not do too well because I tend to be too honest in my approach. That being said, never say never, right?
Now please, don’t get me wrong by using this place (Edmonton) as an
example. I respect most of our Police Officers. Some have issues as you can see, but that is real life and not some TV show produced in Hollywood. I also admire their bravery and am constantly singing praises about what they do. Understand that it is not them, but the Politicians who sign their paychecks that have caused this travesty in my opinion. You should show some respect to the Police. Don't be adverse to walking up to a Cop and thanking him or her for doing a fine job. Respect what they represent, and respect what they do. I for one wouldn't want the job so remember that it takes a real "Special" person to put his life on the line for you. Real special. Traffic Enforcement is a necessary part of the job and it isn't going to go away anytime soon.
However, that all being said, you have the right to know what I have written. You also have the right to act on such valuable information according to your own morals and beliefs. This is a democracy right?
IN SUMMARY
I hope that the information you have received has been beneficial. Above all, I want to stress that SPEEDING IS WRONG, and you should obey the Laws of your Jurisdiction. However, if you have feel you have been unjustly charged, or just want to delay paying your fine for awhile, perhaps this information will be of benefit to you. The statistics are relatively accurate, but I would suggest you research everything and cover your Butt by verifying the Laws that are applicable to your own place of residence. It’s pretty much the same wherever you live. I feel quite comfortable in making this statement, but it doesn’t hurt to check just to be safe.
Remember, by following these steps you could save yourself some money and maybe even have your Ticket totally tossed out.
I have no idea how things will turn out for you, nor do I know if this information specifically applies to your County, City, State, Province or where ever. However, I am pretty sure you have a better understanding of Traffic Offenses now and some alternate options besides just handing over your cash. Hopefully, I have helped you out. Good Luck..and SLOW DOWN!
Copyright 2008 By DH.
Special Thanks To “Halotic” For His Valuable Contributions
Now Slow Down And Drive Safe
Thank You
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