News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Legislation was tabled today which would allow municipalities to use technology such as red-light cameras and photo radar.

An Act Respecting Image-capturing Enforcement Systems proposes to enable the use of systems such as school bus cameras, photo radar, red-light cameras and automated licence plate readers to gather evidence of potential violations of the Motor Vehicle Act.

“We have all seen countless examples of motorists ignoring the speed limit, running red lights or passing stopped school buses which had their lights flashing,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Hugh J. Flemming. “It is impossible for law enforcement personnel to be everywhere at once to witness acts that put other drivers, passengers and pedestrians, including children, in danger. This is where the use of technology can be helpful.”

Six provinces have legislation in place allowing the use of photo radar and red-light cameras. The use of this automated enforcement technology in other jurisdictions has been found to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities.

However, New Brunswick would be the first province to have provisions authorizing the use of automated licence plate readers.

Under the proposed legislation, if a motorist was caught on camera violating a law, the evidence would be reviewed by a peace officer. If a violation of the law had occurred, a ticket would be sent by mail, accompanied by a photograph of the commission of the offence, to the registered owner of the vehicle.

If convicted, the registered owner of the vehicle would be liable for payment of the fine corresponding with the offence but would not incur a loss of points because they may not have been the driver who committed the offence.

“Allowing municipalities to incorporate these technological tools has the potential to make our streets and highways safer, by serving as a deterrent to speeding and other dangerous driving acts that put the public at risk,” said Flemming. “Municipalities have been calling for legislation to allow the use of these tools. We are pleased to table the legislative framework to allow them to put this into practice.”