The program will be fully operational by August 1996. Speed Cameras have been in use world wide, resulting in marked reductions in fatalities, injuries and associated costs. In the state of Victoria, Australia a traffic safety program that included photo radar resulted in a 46 per cent reduction in traffic crash fatalities and a 36 per cent reduction in major injuries in a four-year period. This includes most of western Europe, New Zealand and the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. Courts in Alberta have ruled in favour of photo radar at every challenge over the last four years.
Speed is the most significant factor in determining the severity of a crash.
Photo radar increases both the actual and perceived probability of being detected by the police for speeding. The criteria for camera use includes many factors. Speed Tolerances include a baseline tolerance at between 10 and 19 km over the existing speed limits. The tolerance depends upon weather, visibility and traffic conditions. The Vancouver Police Department component is a Sergeant and five Constables.