Smile! N.L.'s first speed cameras are operating in St. John's
Three cameras are installed, with one more on the way in September
The province has a few extra sets of eyes on the road with the installation of three new speed cameras in St. John's.
Two of them are located on Veterans Memorial Highway, and the third is at the intersection of Waterford Bridge Road and Nottingham Drive.
Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Government Modernization and Service Delivery, says another speed camera will be installed near Larkhall Academy and Leary's Brook Junior High in September.
"I think these locations won't be any surprise to anyone," Stoodley said at an event Friday. "This location here on Waterford Bridge Road was identified as, I think, the city's top area of concern given the proximity to schools and playgrounds in the area."
The cameras, serviced by private contractor Jenoptik, use sensors to detect vehicle speeds. If a vehicle is caught speeding near the camera, it will take an image of the license plate and will send a ticket to the registered owner.
The tickets can be disputed just like any other, as it adheres to the Highway Traffic Act.
Drivers are now able to pay fines online through the MyGovNL website, Stoodley announced Friday.
Signage is in place to warn drivers of upcoming cameras.
"We're not trying to trick people. We're trying to get you to slow down," Stoodley said.
The $3.9-million speed camera program is set to take place in stages, the first of which includes 10 cameras on provincial and municipal roads. Stoodley said the three cameras installed this week are part of a smooth transition process.
Cameras will also be installed on the stop arms of school buses, which will detect illegally passing vehicles.
John Haggie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, said vehicle speeding is one of the most common concerns in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"This is the behaviour we want to modify," he said. "This is about getting people to adhere to the law and the reason for that is: it keeps people safe."
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With files from Jenna Benchetrit