“Using red light cameras to identify vehicles that speed through intersections is a prudent way to increase safety for all drivers and passengers,” said Art Johnston, MLA for Calgary-Hays, who introduced the legislation. “There is widespread concern for traffic safety and this legislation fits perfectly with the other traffic safety initiatives the province has been taking.”  

There are a number of key components of Bill 49, the Traffic Safety Amendment Act 2007.

• The legislation defines how an ‘intersection safety device’, also known as ‘Speed on Green’, will be used to gather evidence on red light and speeding infractions. This evidence can now be introduced in court by affidavit.
• A liability cap has been added for the vehicle leasing and sale industry. The responsibility these parties have when a leased or loaned vehicle is in a collision is now limited.
• Photocopies of registrations for Class 4 commercial trailers are allowed to be carried as an option to the original certificate, saving industry time and money.
• The process for court review of decisions of the Alberta Transportation Safety Board will be streamlined.
• The legislation cracks down on impaired driving by considering blood alcohol readings taken up to three hours after driving to be the same as the blood alcohol concentration at the time of driving.