Winnipeg Police Service News Release:

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011     WINNIPEG PHOTO ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM EFFECTIVE: REPORT OTTAWA, July 5, 2011 – A new report released by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) on Winnipeg's Photo Enforcement Program has found that the program has positive effects based on several measures of success.   The comprehensive evaluation, commissioned by the City of Winnipeg, was designed to examine several key facets of the program and included: a literature review, a process evaluation, a public opinion poll, an analysis of the effect of photo enforcement on traffic safety in the municipality using crash data, and controlled studies evaluating both the red light cameras and the mobile photo radar.   The findings in TIRF's overall analysis of Winnipeg's red light cameras mirror those of previous photo enforcement studies and indicate that the photo enforcement safety program has had a positive net effect on traffic safety in the city of Winnipeg. The time series analyses revealed that there has been a 46% decrease in the more severe right angle crashes at camera intersections, but that there had also been an initial 42% increase followed by a 19% decrease in the less severe rear end crashes. After combining both effects the net result of rear end crashes is an increase of just 15%, rather than 42%.   "This initial increase and subsequent decrease may be indicative of learning behaviour taking place," explains Ward Vanlaar, TIRF VP Research. "This type of pattern suggests drivers may initially use their brakes more abruptly for fear of being ticketed, but that they soon adjust their behaviour to the presence of the cameras."   The evaluation also notes that although less severe than right angle crashes, a strategy to mitigate the increase in rear end crashes is recommended for improving Winnipeg's program. This could include improved signage and more education for drivers.   The installation of photo enforcement cameras also appears to have had an impact on speeding related crashes. The installation of the last set of cameras was associated with a 24% decrease in injury crashes and a 13% decrease in property damage only crashes at camera intersections.    The public opinion poll shows that the majority of people from the Winnipeg CMA support the photo enforcement safety program (approximately 80% believe the photo enforcement safety program makes the public more aware of the issue of speeding; 81% support the continuation of the photo enforcement safety program and 71% believe the program helps improve road safety in Winnipeg) and that continued efforts to educate those who are less supportive of the photo enforcement safety program are recommended.   Vanlaar notes, "While virtually everybody seems to be aware of Winnipeg's photo enforcement safety program, with more education, people may better understand the true extent of the problem and be less likely to underestimate it and may change their driving behaviours accordingly."   While photo enforcement has its opponents, the number of jurisdictions using red light and speed cameras continues to grow. A large body of literature demonstrates the positive impact of photo enforcement programs on red light running and speeding. Nevertheless, results of a minority of studies do raise concerns about undesirable side effects such as the previously mentioned increase in rear end crashes.   "The authors of these studies that question photo enforcement do not support the total abolition of photo enforcement but rather suggest that further research is needed to better understand the impact of photo enforcement at different types of intersections and under different conditions." explains Robyn Robertson, President and CEO of TIRF.   During the course of the evaluation, it was discovered due to limitations of the mobile photo radar data it was not possible to draw any meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness of the mobile radar cameras.   "With improved data collection, this aspect of the program can be evaluated," observes Vanlaar. "It is our recommendation that a follow-up study be conducted to enable the evaluation of photo radar."   It was encouraging for researchers to find that many of the findings and recommendations that came out of the evaluation fall in line with the goal of the Canadian Global Road Safety Committee's Year of Road Safety 2011, to raise awareness about road safety and help lower road collisions, death and injury rates.   According to TIRF President and CEO, Robyn Robertson, "Raising public awareness about crash risk can further increase support for the program and drivers' commitment to road safety so Winnipeg can make its roads safer."   About TIRF. Established in 1964, TIRF's mission is to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. As a national, independent, charitable road safety institute, TIRF designs, promotes, and implements effective programs and policies, based on sound research.   TIRF is a registered charity and depends on grants, contracts, and donations to provide services for the public. Visit us online at www.tirf.ca.   –        30 –   For more information, please contact: Sara Oglestone Manager, Marketing and Communications - Directrice, marketing et communications 613-238-5235 ext. 304 (office) 1-877-238-5235 (toll-free) sarao@tirf.ca www.tirf.ca For further information contact either: Constable Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Office: (204)986-3061 Fax: (204) 986-3267 Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca   Web: www.winnipeg.ca/Police

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