Road-Traffic Photo Enforcement
JENOPTIK Road Safety division is a world leader in traffic safety enforcement.
Traffic Technology 2000 has over 40 years of hands-on experience in traffic enforcement throughout Canada. As their Canadian representative we have worked together in deploying multiple projects in different parts of the country. As system integrator, we work with our clients to find the best solution for their needs and help them through every step to make sure that their traffic enforcement program is a success.
Speed Enforcement
Excessive speed is a common cause of crashes on Canadian roads. Every year, more then 800 Canadians die and another 3,000 are injured in collisions where speed was the major contributing factor. In Canada, speed is a contributing factor in up to 18% of crashes resulting in serious injury or death. Overall, it is estimated that 20% of collisions occur as a result of speeding (TIRF 2007).
Speed can affect traffic safety in two ways. First, speed can affect the risk of crashing – research shows that higher speeds increase the risk of being in a crash. Second, speed
can affect the severity of a crash – research shows that increased speed is also associated with both increased crash and injury severity.
The effects of speed on collision risk can be particularly striking in Canada during the wintertime, where slippery road surfaces and poor visibility can add to the risks associated with excessive speed.
Injuries sustained in collisions by all Canadians are a major burden on our health care system in terms of emergency treatment, chronic care, and rehabilitation. It is no wonder that Transport Canada recommends photo enforcement to reduce speeding.
Red Light Enforcement
Collisions due to red light running are often severe since they typically result in right-angle type collisions. Available collision statistics suggest that red light cameras can reduce the frequency of right-angle collisions by at least 25% and often more.
Pedestrians are more likely to be killed and injured as compared to other groups of road users because they lack the hard, protective exterior of a vehicle, or safety features to protect them. As such, it is essential that drivers keep this fact in mind when they are behind the wheel.
At the same time, intersections have also become larger and more complex with more lanes of traffic and designated turning lanes. This means that there is much more information for pedestrians (and drivers) to process and it takes much longer to cross these intersections.
According to Transport Canada, national data reveal that 33% of fatally injured pedestrians were struck by a driver who had committed a traffic infraction prior to the crash.
The value of enforcement is in its ability to alter human behavior. The deterrent effect is dependent on the intensity or level of enforcement. Once it is known to be present, automated enforcement has the advantage of being active 24/7 and therefore has a much greater deterrent effect than the occasional police presence. In addition, it is often possible to deploy automated enforcement at locations for which it would be impossible or dangerous to conduct conventional surveillance.
Red Light Camera Systems are used to monitor dangerous intersections where there is a high percentage of injuries or death related to driver not obeying traffic light signals.
Not only do they reduce red light running at a specific location, but they are also proven to change driver behavior at non-monitored intersections.
Civil Security
Vehicles are often involved in crime as stolen property, as transport for illegal goods and even as weapons.
Crime and disorder associated with the use of vehicles has been around for a very long time and it is not going to stop.
The threat of terrorism affects us all. Methods have become less sophisticated, in recent times, and vehicles are now commonly used as weapons or carriers.
Data analytics and convergence of data streams enhances the possibility of pro-active apprehension of suspects before atrocities are committed.
Organized Crime
Serious and organized crime continues to be a threat to public safety. There are more than 1850 organized crime groups currently operating in Canada. They are becoming increasingly sophisticated and mobile allowing them to elude traditional law enforcement methods. Their activities now extend beyond the illegal drug trade and prostitution to illegal migration, human trafficking, cross border smuggling of counterfeit goods and even environmental crimes such as the dumping of toxic wastes. To effectively disrupt and dismantle this broad range of activities, law enforcement officials must now work together and call upon new partners such as computer technicians, forensic accountants, tax investigators and intelligence analysts.
The use of vehicles by criminals gives Law Enforcement Agencies a potential to track and apprehend them before, during or after events have occurred.
Motor Vehicle Theft
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, on average, a car is stolen every seven minutes in Canada. Each year, automobile thefts cost Canadians close to 1 billion dollars. It's estimated that about 40 people die and 65 people are injured as a direct result of auto theft every year. For organized criminal groups, the acquisition, shipment and trade of stolen vehicles is a low-risk way to make profits. Stolen vehicles are frequently trafficked in order to finance and carry out other criminal activities, ranging from drug trafficking, arms dealing, people smuggling and international terrorism. Additionally, the illicit market in spare parts is a lucrative source of income for criminal organizations and offers them many practical uses.
Smuggling
Drugs contribute to thousands of deaths per year from overdoses related to illicit drugs and gang violence. Canada Border Services Agency seized nearly 52 000 prohibited weapons in 2019. From commercial trucks to personal cars, vehicles play a key role in distributing the illegal merchandise across North America. By identifying and studying their movement patterns, government agencies can determine their routes, they can observe the sectors where gangs operate, they can identify their scheme and intercept as required.
Human Trafficking
According to Statistics Canada, the number of human trafficking incidents reported in 2019 has increase by 44% from the previous year. 85% of those incidents occurred in large cities with populations of 100 000 or more.
Kidnappings
In Canada, nearly 32 0000 children were reported missing to police in 2020. AMBER Alert is an effective way of informing the general public of a missing children. The first few hours following the disappearance of a child are crucial. Reacting quickly can significantly increase the chances of finding a child. With a description of a vehicle or license plate information, it is possible to identify the abductor escape path and narrow the search, therefore reducing the search time and returning the child safely.
Gun and Gang Violence
Firearm-related homicides in Canada have been steadily increasing. Shootings have now become the most common method of homicide, surpassing homicide by stabbing and beating. Gang-related homicides involving guns are no exception.
Protecting Critical Infrastructures
Vehicles have also been used by attackers to breach buildings with locked gates, before detonating explosives.
Hit and run
In Quebec, an average of 66 hit and run occur per day, 11 of which implicates a death or injury.
Terrorism