City decides where to Invest Photo Radar Money

Funds from Traffic Safety Program to be used for safety initiatives

Since being established in the spring, the Photo Enforced Traffic Safety Program has been running smoothly.

Though warning tickets were given out in the beginning, the first tickets requiring payment were given out in August. The funds collected from these tickets were placed in a fund for safety and infrastructure projects, the details of which were passed at City Council on Nov. 22.

“Ensuring that funds from this program are earmarked for public safety is a huge priority for us,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “With the funds from this program, we can turn around and help work on areas that citizens identify as a public safety concern.”

All net revenue received from the Photo Enforced Traffic Safety Program will be put into the Infrastructure Safety Fund. This fund will be used for projects that promote public safety, prevent a public safety issue, and/or to address an existing safety concern.

The public will be able to submit applications for use of the funds, so long as it is for a recognized public safety need, a preventable public safety issue, or a safety concern in the community. As well, the application must address a proposed infrastructure-based solution.

“We’re hoping to see some great applications come forward,” said Copeland. “A lot of people have come to me with safety concerns, and now there will be a fund we can pull from to help create a solution.”

If not completely used, leftover funds will carry over into following years, remaining in the Infrastructure Safety Fund for future projects.

A set of guidelines will be available to ensure transparency and consistent administration of the funds. These guidelines will cover the eligibility criteria, the application process, the evaluation process, and the fiscal management of funds. The guidelines will be available to the public in detail at www.coldlake.com, where an application form will also be found. They will be advertised once ready and available.