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IMPORTANT UPDATE ON RED LIGHT CAMERAS (Aug. 16/10)
Due to some great Press and the announcement of our upcoming Just One Second media campaign, it appears the City is scrambling to come up with some kind of a pilot project to test the extra second.
DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY OR PAY ANY RED LIGHT CAMERA TICKET WHERE THE VEHICLE HAS ENTERED THE RED WITHIN THE FIRST SECOND OF THE CHANGE.
WHEN THE EXTRA SECOND PROVES TO BE A SAFER METHOD HERE AS WELL, IF YOU HAVE PAID YOUR TICKET THEN YOU ARE PRESUMING GUILT AND YOU WON'T RECEIVE A REFUND, JUST LIKE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE TICKETS.
IF YOUR CASE STAYS BEFORE THE COURTS IT WILL VERY LIKELY BE STAYED AFTER SUCCESSFUL TESTING OF THE LIGHT TIMING.
TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS!!!!!
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"In short, the only documented benefit to red light cameras is to the pocketbook of local
We traded away our privacy for this.
We gave up our constitutional protections for this.
In return, we are less safe.
That is the red light camera scam, and it has gone on for far too long."
U.S. Congressman Dick Armey
Taken from his report
The Red Light Running Crisis - Is It Intentional?
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Picture of the Day
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Due to some great Press and the announcement of our upcoming Just One Second media campaign, it appears the City is scrambling to come up with some kind of a pilot project to test the extra second.
DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY OR PAY ANY RED LIGHT CAMERA TICKET WHERE THE VEHICLE HAS ENTERED THE RED WITHIN THE FIRST SECOND OF THE CHANGE.
WHEN THE EXTRA SECOND PROVES TO BE A SAFER METHOD HERE AS WELL, IF YOU HAVE PAID YOUR TICKET THEN YOU ARE PRESUMING GUILT AND YOU WON'T RECEIVE A REFUND, JUST LIKE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE TICKETS.
IF YOUR CASE STAYS BEFORE THE COURTS IT WILL VERY LIKELY BE STAYED AFTER SUCCESSFUL TESTING OF THE LIGHT TIMING.
TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS!!!!!
___________________________________________________________________________
"In short, the only documented benefit to red light cameras is to the pocketbook of local
governments who use the devices to collect millions in revenue.
We traded away our privacy for this.
We gave up our constitutional protections for this.
In return, we are less safe.
That is the red light camera scam, and it has gone on for far too long."
U.S. Congressman Dick Armey
Taken from his report
The Red Light Running Crisis - Is It Intentional?
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Picture of the Day
A great example of a blatant abuse of the units. Click on the photo for a larger image, you can clearly see about 100 meters from the setup the increased speed zone of 80kph. The camera is is set to take the photo looking left so you wouldn't see that sign in the photo but do see the Construction ends sign. Of course you notice, no workers and now no barricades, both lanes are now open!
Mayor Katz, Chief McCaskill, The entire NDP party, and ACS, how do you sleep at night knowing that tactics like this to generate revenue are stealing money from good hard working people and giving a large share to a FORIEGN OWNED, FOR PROFIT COMPANY. With the holiday season approaching and people already struggling with tight budgets, your farce of a system is now adding extra stress and strain in their lives.
You should all be ashamed of yourselves that this is the best you can come up with. Start thinking about what you want your legacy to be, those who chose revenue over safety or those who had enough guts to stand up and do what's right!
Photo courtesy of a very angry Citizen
Click on photo for larger imageMayor Katz, Chief McCaskill, The entire NDP party, and ACS, how do you sleep at night knowing that tactics like this to generate revenue are stealing money from good hard working people and giving a large share to a FORIEGN OWNED, FOR PROFIT COMPANY. With the holiday season approaching and people already struggling with tight budgets, your farce of a system is now adding extra stress and strain in their lives.
You should all be ashamed of yourselves that this is the best you can come up with. Start thinking about what you want your legacy to be, those who chose revenue over safety or those who had enough guts to stand up and do what's right!
Photo courtesy of a very angry Citizen
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The following comments were sent to us through the contact form in the About Us Section. Want to make a comment? Fill out the form and send it to us and we will print it whether you agree with our position or not. Comments with excess profanity will not be posted.
Michele (Stonewall) I just received another photo radar ticket. $278 dollars, add that to 2 other tickets has put the price tag well over 750.00. As a single parent who can barely make ends meet I am starting to wonder if my inability to pay these huge fines will cause me to lose my licence? Then what? Without a drivers licence I cant drive to work. Will this mean I will end up on social assistance? Or will it mean that I continue to drive without a valid drivers licence? I am not a reckless driver, in fact I have been involved in a variety of advanced driver training programs: I hold a class 1 DL. I did skid control training in Greenbay Wi for commercial drivers, I did the RCMP advanced driver course 2 years ago for employment purposes. I have never gotten speeding tickets until I started working in Winnipeg. I am getting such a hatred for these devises that I wonder if they are in fact even accurate? I went online to try and find out if there are ways to defeat them, not because I intend to break the law but because I think they go against my Constitutional Rights and more,that they are simply a money grab by government. These devises need to be outlawed. I can see one day an outraged citizen who cannot afford to pay go after those people in the vans taking illegal pictures. This one site I found discusses inaccurate devices: http://photoradarscam.com/malfunctions.php
Suzanne (Morden) Hi there, well guess I'm another driver who received not one but 2 tickets by photo radar at Bidhop Grandin on a Saturday morning in August while passing through the city. Ticket were issued minutes apart in the same construction zone. This does seem excessive. Is this fair and or legal. At present I'm in the process of pleading not guilty. However my plead is that 2 tickets minutes apart is unconstitutional under the Canadian charter of rights stating that the law has to be reasonably justified. Having a photo taken as you enter the zone then having another photo as you leave does not seem reasonably justified. What are your thoughts. Will i have a chance of having one ticket dropped? The city will make over 500$from both tickets. Help!! Thanks for all your hard work. Scroll up to where it says URGENT, above the photo of the day.
Vivian (Wpg) I just received a photo radar ticket that was taken on Oct 11 - THANKSGIVING SUNDAY at 7:37 pm - eastbound on Bishop Grandin east of shorehill.(needless to say there were no workers present...) We figured he got us so we went back and took a cell phone photo of the van parked about 4 meters after the 60 km sign - actual construction zone was not for another 100 or so yards....we were going 75 obviously already cutting our speed in anticipation of the upcoming construction zone. SO UNFAIR!!!
Harold (Wpg) I have received a photo radar ticket for doing 73 km in a 60km construction zone on Kenaston Blvd. It normally is 80km on Kenaston. When I noticed the posted sign of 60km I immediately began to slow down, however the photo radar car was parked within 3ft.,yes 3ft.,behind the sign signifying the 60km limit,so there was no way I could slow down quickly enough to be within the limit. I would also like to point out that the ticket was issued at 6:53pm on a road that had not had a worker on it for over 4 days. That particular night the closet worker was on the corner of McGillivary Blvd. and Waverley St. over a mile away!!!! It might be easier to try and understand their thinking if the photo radar car was at least posted on the thoroughfare where there was construction work in progress,but when it is parked on a thoroughfare over a mile away where no construction work is in progress makes them look more ridiculous than they probably are. Tell me after hearing this story that it's not all about a cash grab but only for motorist or construction worker saftey. What an absolute farce!! I have not as yet paid my $190.80 ticket which is due on Nov.2,2009. Please advise your recommendation as to what I should do - pay it or not?? Thanks in advance for your advice. Scroll up to where it says URGENT, above the photo of the day.
Maria (Wpg) Yesterday I received a traffic ticket for going 73 on Bishop Grandin (which I believe is a 70 zone) on a Sunday at after 7:00pm. I honestly didn't think I was speeding, so I'm racking my brain to figure out what this is about. The only thing I can think of is that there was construction...But I didn't see any signs and I was travelling just as fast as everyone else! How can I fight this? I am 47 years old and have never had an accident and have only had 1 ticket in my life. I refuse to pay a ticket for something I didn't do wrong and where the city has flipped flopped on. How can I argue this in court? Scroll up to where it says URGENT, above the photo of the day.
Tim (Wpg) I would like to say thank you very much for this great plan with the signs and effort your group is doing. Can you please have someone put up signs in both directions on Inkster and Rte # 90 as they are constantly being removed by someone and not in both directions. Thank you,
Anonymous (Wpg?) Why don't people jusy pay a little more attention to the signage? In all cases it it plain and unobstructed for all to see. Best advice you can give, JUST SLOW DOWN. Is it that important that we get to our destination 10-20 seconds earlier? Drive on the Wpg streets for aliving and you will soon see how many people really should not be driving. If their not talking or texting, putting on make up or just not paying attention, these are not excuses. Pay attention. You jusy can't fix stupid! The author lacked commitment to attaching a name so we lacked commitment in spell checking the email.
Brian S. (Wpg) I have a couple of photos of a photo radar van, the first one unedited, the 2nd cropped to show how close to the "Construction Ends" sign this van was parked on Saturday Oct 17 at about 1:00 pm. I didn't have a tape measure with me, but I read my odometer and the distance was just about .1 km exactly (100 m).I am not pleased that these people continue to claim they are acting for safety sake when their action speak loudly that it is all about maximizing profit. If it was safety they were concerned with, they would be at the start or middle of this construction zone.
Incidentally, all of the construction activity when this photo was taken was occurring either at the intersection or South of Inkster. Nothing was happening North of Inkster, where the photo radar was set up. Also, all lanes North of Inkster were fully available (apart from the merge/breakdown lane, which would have been operational but for the presence of a photo radar van.
ps Further to the topic, I went by this same location at about 4:35 pm on October 19, and a different photo radar vehicle was set up in virtually exactly the same place. The fishing must be very good.
Brian Supplied us with the above posted Photo of the Day
Marleen (Wpg.) I received a photo ticket on Brookside north of Lucas on Oct.4. This is supposedly one of the new permanent work areas. The ticket has that big overhanging changing box on it but there is no speed in the top part to prove. We did not see a speed sign either. My husband, the driver, has not has had only one ticket in his lifeover 40 years ago. He obeys all rules. Can we fight this---they said 79 in a 60. Thanks so much. MT
Robert (Wpg.) Information that you may not be aware of. It appears that they are setting up a new red light camera at Warde & St Marys Rd on the opposite side of St Marys in the northbound lane. The old camera was removed when the approaches were built for Van Hull Estates. Concrete supports and tubes for cabling have been installed. The trucks and workers were not City employees. They will be up and running soon without notice to trap the unexpected drivers. This should grab a bundle before motorists become aware.
Michele (Stonewall) "This site is awesome! Finally, people willing to take a stand over what I believe is an unconstitutional and illegal method to set out fines. Whatever happened to identifying the person driving the vehicle before issuing them a ticket? I have 2 speeding tickets which amounts to over 500 dollars. The first one i had pulled out to overtake another vehicle going excessively slow. The photo showed another vehicle that was actually passing me on my left! I wonder if that vehicle got a photo ticket? The second one was on my way home from work via Inkster and route 90 at THE END OF THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE where there were no workers or construction occurring. You can easily see the 80 km sign from the vantage of the photo unit but that was not included in the photo. I stopped the other day to take a picture of this from directly beside the unit. Interestingly, today there was no photo unit parked there and the construction sigbs were removed. I plan to plead not guilty on this ticket. I didn't respond to the first ticket as I had no money to pay, can I still plead not guilty on that one? I am a single mother and I barely get by on my present income, I cannot afford to pay these huge fines (and why are they so steep to begin with?). Christmas is coming and I would rather buy my kids presents and have a nice dinner before giving the greedy city of Winnipeg my hard earned pay. Hell, I would rather see a homeless shelter get it!"
Robert (Wpg) "Information that you may not be aware of. It appears that they are setting up a new red light camera at Warde & StMarys Rd on the opposite side of StMarys in the northbound lane. The old camera was removed when the approaches were built for Van Hull Estates. Concrete supports and tubes for cabling have been installed. The trucks and workers were not City employees. They will be up and running soon without notice to trap the unexpected drivers. This should grab a bundle before motorists become aware."
Tanya (Wpg) I received a photo enforcement ticket on Sunday Oct 4, 2009 at 1711 stating 79 in a 60 (Construction Zone) and the Location of Offence was EB Inkster Blvd East of Roy Roche Dr. Inkster and Roy Roche Drive is the RM of Rosser...can I fight that based on the location of offence or do I have to get a trial date to get the notes of the ticketing officer as photo enforcement says location of offence is not exact and does not have to be exact on the ticket? (Wiseupwinnipeg response) The location doesn't have to be exact, however if they we're inside the RM of Rosser then they can't be there. Make sure you read the response to Vern below.
Alex (Wpg) "I was out on Saturday and grabbed some signs. I fully support your group and would be interested in helping out in whatever way I can. I am quite good at Publicizing and would be glad to help raise awareness of any future events/rallies. The majority of people dislike speed cameras, they just need to be made aware of how to voice their opinion and show their support. If I even had a weeks notice of an upcoming event, I think I could drum up a lot more supporters to come out to help show their support."
Scott (Wpg) "Great work getting the ball rolling on this! I would also like to pick up a 'slow down' sign from you guys FYI, about 5 years ago I was also threatened with arrest for "obstruction of justice" by the WPS, with my home made sign confiscated (stolen) by the officer. I guess it goes back to the old saying, if the politicians say it's not about the money, it's *definitely* about the money. Once again, great work, and if there's any more signs available I'd like to get one." (Wiseupwinnipeg response) Look along the Right of this page if you need signs
Vern (Stonewall) "My wife just got a route 90 photo radar ticket for Oct. 4th for the same thing you referenced in your you tube video with the camera at the end of the construction zone with nobody working. It was a Sunday at 6:00 PM. She is insisting I pay it and I'm insisting that this is wrong. Let me know what you guys need for help. I'd sooner give you guys the $250 then the City for a cash grab. btw... do you think we should pay the ticket? (Wiseupwinnipeg response) No, We think you should Plead not guilty to all photo tickets. Don't worry about your defense right now. You can mail in the request. Attach a note to the request advising any days off you normally have during the week and whether you prefer morning, afternoon or night court. Wait until about 1 1/2 weeks before the ticket is due to mail it in. Read this article; http://www.trafficticketguru.com/why-its-important-to-plead-not-guilty.html
Glenn (Wpg.) After 26 years of driving without any tickets at all (even parking) or any at fault accidents, I feel I'm a less safe driver since we received a photo radar ticket. I'm now more focused on checking my speedometer and on the lookout for photo vans than paying attention to my driving. I find myself either instantly slowing down to 30kph at red light camera intersections or just stare at the traffic light to watch if it changes yellow and not paying any attention my surroundings. Ended up pleading not guilty and was still convicted for the full amount of the fine ($190). How the heck are you supposed to defend an offence you don't have any recollection of (which is not a legal defense)? The experience sure didn't seem to have a positive effect on my diving. Read the article at the link above.
Ian (BC) "Hi Larry: Ian here from SENSE in BC. We are going to place a link to your website on ours and invite you to do the same." www.sense.bc.ca Great Site Ian, hope our visitors will give it a look.
Colin (wpg) "Great work guys! I heard on the Great Canadian Talk Show 92.9 (Kick FM) that someone who used one of your signs was put in the back of a cop car and accused of obstructing justice.
I wanted to mention a Winnipeg Free Press story from this past May after a press conference I did calling for people to warn upcoming motorists of speed traps. In the story, the police noted that they didn't see anything wrong with what I was advocating and that warning motorists fits with their goal of getting people to slow down."
Carter (Wpg) "Wow, that is just pure greed on their part, attempting to take advantage of angered drivers to milk them for more money. And the van is set up right at the END of the construction zone, with no workers, and no real hazards. Typical Winnipeg. Great job with the warning signs."
Gary (Rural Mb) "My daughter(20) was driving eastbound on bishop grandin and was photoed at the Lakewood intersection. According to them they say she was going 76/kmh in the 60!!! IT was 8:30 at night,dark,poor lighting and she had never gone that route before,(we live in rural mb.)She has a clear driving record and is a good cautious driver. We feel like we are framed by the BULLIES. WHAT can we do?"
Micheal (Wpg) "I live in the south end of the city and would love to get my hands on a sign or two"
Berton (BC) "BC got rid of the photo radar years ago !!"
Rick (Wpg) "I'm glad to see that this issue hasn't died. I spent most of my summer in 2008 trying to fight this and raise awareness. The Sun printed my rant , after my girlfriend was hit with 4 tickets in the same location. The Sun ran an article after that called "slow burn". We went to court , armed with photos of the sight , but were not admissible because they weren't taken on the day of the infraction. We had the fines reduced to about half , but we didn't feel like justice was done. I felt completely burned out by then. Whenever I see the issue come up in the news , I feel better about the whole thing. At least the public is aware of it."
Lisa (Wpg) "Gentlemen, I applaud your efforts. Your concerns relate to ones I have had for years (even before photo-radar). The intersections in this city promote speeding and frustration. Try driving on Portage Ave (for ex). Even maintaining or driving slightly below the speed limit, the lights are timed in such a way that traffic stops rather than flows. You should not be stopping at a red light 2 blocks after leaving one. The lights should be in sync so that traffic flows on the major thoroughfares. I believe part of your campaign to change light times should include properly syncing the cities intersections. Happy drivers speed less."
Jim (Wpg) " I received a photo radar ticket on bishop awhile back when there was construction on the bridge. The funny thing is, is that there were no workers present during my drive along bishop however a photo radar van was parked there. In our traffic by-laws it states that for the photo vans to be eligible to issue tickets - workers - must be present and none were at the time of my drive.
I have their particulars but no where in their evidence does it say workers were present. Thank you for your support,"
Maureen (Wpg) "I received a photoradar ticket for Oct4 at9:06a.m. at brookside blvd north of lucas ave. As it was a sunday and no construction taking place can I fight this ticket? I would appreciate your advice. Thank you."
Gustav (Gimli) "Good job guys!! Couldn't agree more with what you're doing! Do you know what happens now or what can a person do if they got a photo radar ticket in a construction zone??"
Ron (Wpg) " I received a ticket a year and a half ago that showed the 60km sign in front of my vehicle. I had it paid before I actually had noticed that. How are these vehicles with photo radar allowed to park in no stopping zones?"
Jeff (Eriksdale) "I agree with you 100% on this issue. I have a friend that is a police officer in North Bay, Ontario. I emailed him my ticket - which was at the Route 90/Inkster construction zone. It was 75 in a 60 - $190.80. He said the ticket would have been $52.50 in North Bay and 0 points - That's IF he would have pulled someone over. The problem with photo radar is that it can be abused by the city, province, and police agency. I have no problem getting a ticket if I deserve it. I want an officer to hand me a ticket though so I can plea the logistics first. Photo radar is a one-sided cash grab and I would bet many of the issuing officers believe it too. Where can I sign a petition?"
Jenelle (Wpg) "Hello, I got paper in the mail saying that I went through a red light. the time that the light was red when i past the sensor was 0.1 seconds this wasnt even a whole second. i went to the traffic dept and wanted to speak to someone because i didn't know where else to go and they said the only way i could speak with someone was to plead guilty with explanation. the judge would not even lower the fine. Now i am stuck with this ticket that is like 200$when i could have sworn i went in the intersection on a yellow. a human being would never have pulled me over for running a yellow light. Plus i was only going 45 in a 60 speed limit area. if i would have stepped on it a little more i would have cleared the intersection. Is there anything i can do?"
Marie (Wpg) "Hello, I was unable to attend on Oct 10th and I would like to get one of your signs please! I've actually wanted to make signs of my own for a while until I found out about your website through the Sun. I think it's such a great idea in the fight against photo radar! Thank you!"
Rodney (Wpg) "What a load of crap! About the only thing you said that made sense in your introduction was "Slow down" at the end. You and your group are like all other protesters...all bitch and no solutions. Of course it's for safety! Shake your heads and try to imagine the state of our streets if, as you propose, there were no redlight/speed cameras or radar zones? How else would YOU get the moron drivers in this city to slow down? I've never been caught in one of your 'marginal' money traps, because I slow down where I think it is prudent. Most don't. I haven't received a speeding ticket in 45 years. And there aren't as many innocent ticket victims as you try to portray. Winnipeg speeders are just that; speeders. So instead of bitching, and warning people, think up and offer some concrete solutions." (Response from Wiseupwinnipeg) "Hi Rodney Remember, our signs are being used to draw attention to the issue, not to be the solution, if you listen to our platform we have offered several viable solutions to the City that are proven to work. One being the extra second on the amber. Speed bumps in playground and school yard areas. Better signage. Barricades can be erected in a fashion that force a vehicle to slow on entrance and then periodic temp speed bumps to keep speed consistent. More human enforcement that will stop and deal with the driver who may be impaired or in a stolen or uninsured vehicle. Photo enforcement is the least effective way to slow traffic and change behavior. I know this first hand from my experience."
Denis (Wpg) "Bravo boys!! I cannot believe the amount of people that have bought into the media / marketing campaign and are willing to sit back while our lazy government steals millions of dollars that should be circulating in our economy. I hope that the media takes a more serious look at what you are doing. They have become quite lazy themselves and just portray the government message they have been handed. Don't take me to be anti government, just very frustrated with this issue. I only receive about 1 ticket per year, but when you poll your friends at a small social gathering and can discuss $2000 worth of tickets within a few months in a group of 15 people, there is something wrong. By the way our age group is 44-50, men and women, blue and white collar, soccer coaches and church secretaries. It appears they are redefining the criminal; easy to catch, easy to convict and the ability to pay. Other areas of this country have successfully made this an election issue. I hope that we can do the same, whenever that is. Thanks again"
David (Hazelridge) "I would like to obtain one of your $LOW DOWN signs."
Cal (Wpg) "Hi, I was wondering what other illegitamate actions occur in public service. I was wondering if more information on city or province doings could be presented. Photo radar is just the tip of the iceberg, I believe. Thanks."
Alan (Petersfield) "What defense can I use.. I was doing 80 in a construction zone (normal speed is 80)It was a sunday at 1320 hrs, no workers present!!! I assumed it was 80 as no workers were present and no work being done! FYI clean abstract and 5 merits for almost 30 years." Wise Up Winnipeg Response. "Plead not guilty to each and every photo ticket. Then wait for your court package to determine what the case is against you before you proceed further. You can always change your plea to guilty with an explanation at your court date.
For further information on why it's important to plead not guilty, CLICK HERE
Jeremie (Wpg) "I was wondering if I could get a sign or bumber sticker if you have any so I could display it on my vehicle. I drive by the one on kenaston all the time and see a lot of ppl all the time get ticketed for no reason and this is well after ppl are gone and I think its rediculous. If I knew there was a rally on the 10th I would of loved to be there but missed it"
The following comments were sent to us through the contact form in the About Us Section. Want to make a comment? Fill out the form and send it to us and we will print it whether you agree with our position or not. Comments with excess profanity will not be posted.
Michele (Stonewall) I just received another photo radar ticket. $278 dollars, add that to 2 other tickets has put the price tag well over 750.00. As a single parent who can barely make ends meet I am starting to wonder if my inability to pay these huge fines will cause me to lose my licence? Then what? Without a drivers licence I cant drive to work. Will this mean I will end up on social assistance? Or will it mean that I continue to drive without a valid drivers licence? I am not a reckless driver, in fact I have been involved in a variety of advanced driver training programs: I hold a class 1 DL. I did skid control training in Greenbay Wi for commercial drivers, I did the RCMP advanced driver course 2 years ago for employment purposes. I have never gotten speeding tickets until I started working in Winnipeg. I am getting such a hatred for these devises that I wonder if they are in fact even accurate? I went online to try and find out if there are ways to defeat them, not because I intend to break the law but because I think they go against my Constitutional Rights and more,that they are simply a money grab by government. These devises need to be outlawed. I can see one day an outraged citizen who cannot afford to pay go after those people in the vans taking illegal pictures. This one site I found discusses inaccurate devices: http://photoradarscam.com/malfunctions.php
Suzanne (Morden) Hi there, well guess I'm another driver who received not one but 2 tickets by photo radar at Bidhop Grandin on a Saturday morning in August while passing through the city. Ticket were issued minutes apart in the same construction zone. This does seem excessive. Is this fair and or legal. At present I'm in the process of pleading not guilty. However my plead is that 2 tickets minutes apart is unconstitutional under the Canadian charter of rights stating that the law has to be reasonably justified. Having a photo taken as you enter the zone then having another photo as you leave does not seem reasonably justified. What are your thoughts. Will i have a chance of having one ticket dropped? The city will make over 500$from both tickets. Help!! Thanks for all your hard work. Scroll up to where it says URGENT, above the photo of the day.
Vivian (Wpg) I just received a photo radar ticket that was taken on Oct 11 - THANKSGIVING SUNDAY at 7:37 pm - eastbound on Bishop Grandin east of shorehill.(needless to say there were no workers present...) We figured he got us so we went back and took a cell phone photo of the van parked about 4 meters after the 60 km sign - actual construction zone was not for another 100 or so yards....we were going 75 obviously already cutting our speed in anticipation of the upcoming construction zone. SO UNFAIR!!!
Harold (Wpg) I have received a photo radar ticket for doing 73 km in a 60km construction zone on Kenaston Blvd. It normally is 80km on Kenaston. When I noticed the posted sign of 60km I immediately began to slow down, however the photo radar car was parked within 3ft.,yes 3ft.,behind the sign signifying the 60km limit,so there was no way I could slow down quickly enough to be within the limit. I would also like to point out that the ticket was issued at 6:53pm on a road that had not had a worker on it for over 4 days. That particular night the closet worker was on the corner of McGillivary Blvd. and Waverley St. over a mile away!!!! It might be easier to try and understand their thinking if the photo radar car was at least posted on the thoroughfare where there was construction work in progress,but when it is parked on a thoroughfare over a mile away where no construction work is in progress makes them look more ridiculous than they probably are. Tell me after hearing this story that it's not all about a cash grab but only for motorist or construction worker saftey. What an absolute farce!! I have not as yet paid my $190.80 ticket which is due on Nov.2,2009. Please advise your recommendation as to what I should do - pay it or not?? Thanks in advance for your advice. Scroll up to where it says URGENT, above the photo of the day.
Maria (Wpg) Yesterday I received a traffic ticket for going 73 on Bishop Grandin (which I believe is a 70 zone) on a Sunday at after 7:00pm. I honestly didn't think I was speeding, so I'm racking my brain to figure out what this is about. The only thing I can think of is that there was construction...But I didn't see any signs and I was travelling just as fast as everyone else! How can I fight this? I am 47 years old and have never had an accident and have only had 1 ticket in my life. I refuse to pay a ticket for something I didn't do wrong and where the city has flipped flopped on. How can I argue this in court? Scroll up to where it says URGENT, above the photo of the day.
Tim (Wpg) I would like to say thank you very much for this great plan with the signs and effort your group is doing. Can you please have someone put up signs in both directions on Inkster and Rte # 90 as they are constantly being removed by someone and not in both directions. Thank you,
Anonymous (Wpg?) Why don't people jusy pay a little more attention to the signage? In all cases it it plain and unobstructed for all to see. Best advice you can give, JUST SLOW DOWN. Is it that important that we get to our destination 10-20 seconds earlier? Drive on the Wpg streets for aliving and you will soon see how many people really should not be driving. If their not talking or texting, putting on make up or just not paying attention, these are not excuses. Pay attention. You jusy can't fix stupid! The author lacked commitment to attaching a name so we lacked commitment in spell checking the email.
Brian S. (Wpg) I have a couple of photos of a photo radar van, the first one unedited, the 2nd cropped to show how close to the "Construction Ends" sign this van was parked on Saturday Oct 17 at about 1:00 pm. I didn't have a tape measure with me, but I read my odometer and the distance was just about .1 km exactly (100 m).I am not pleased that these people continue to claim they are acting for safety sake when their action speak loudly that it is all about maximizing profit. If it was safety they were concerned with, they would be at the start or middle of this construction zone.
Incidentally, all of the construction activity when this photo was taken was occurring either at the intersection or South of Inkster. Nothing was happening North of Inkster, where the photo radar was set up. Also, all lanes North of Inkster were fully available (apart from the merge/breakdown lane, which would have been operational but for the presence of a photo radar van.
ps Further to the topic, I went by this same location at about 4:35 pm on October 19, and a different photo radar vehicle was set up in virtually exactly the same place. The fishing must be very good.
Brian Supplied us with the above posted Photo of the Day
Marleen (Wpg.) I received a photo ticket on Brookside north of Lucas on Oct.4. This is supposedly one of the new permanent work areas. The ticket has that big overhanging changing box on it but there is no speed in the top part to prove. We did not see a speed sign either. My husband, the driver, has not has had only one ticket in his lifeover 40 years ago. He obeys all rules. Can we fight this---they said 79 in a 60. Thanks so much. MT
Robert (Wpg.) Information that you may not be aware of. It appears that they are setting up a new red light camera at Warde & St Marys Rd on the opposite side of St Marys in the northbound lane. The old camera was removed when the approaches were built for Van Hull Estates. Concrete supports and tubes for cabling have been installed. The trucks and workers were not City employees. They will be up and running soon without notice to trap the unexpected drivers. This should grab a bundle before motorists become aware.
Michele (Stonewall) "This site is awesome! Finally, people willing to take a stand over what I believe is an unconstitutional and illegal method to set out fines. Whatever happened to identifying the person driving the vehicle before issuing them a ticket? I have 2 speeding tickets which amounts to over 500 dollars. The first one i had pulled out to overtake another vehicle going excessively slow. The photo showed another vehicle that was actually passing me on my left! I wonder if that vehicle got a photo ticket? The second one was on my way home from work via Inkster and route 90 at THE END OF THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE where there were no workers or construction occurring. You can easily see the 80 km sign from the vantage of the photo unit but that was not included in the photo. I stopped the other day to take a picture of this from directly beside the unit. Interestingly, today there was no photo unit parked there and the construction sigbs were removed. I plan to plead not guilty on this ticket. I didn't respond to the first ticket as I had no money to pay, can I still plead not guilty on that one? I am a single mother and I barely get by on my present income, I cannot afford to pay these huge fines (and why are they so steep to begin with?). Christmas is coming and I would rather buy my kids presents and have a nice dinner before giving the greedy city of Winnipeg my hard earned pay. Hell, I would rather see a homeless shelter get it!"
Robert (Wpg) "Information that you may not be aware of. It appears that they are setting up a new red light camera at Warde & StMarys Rd on the opposite side of StMarys in the northbound lane. The old camera was removed when the approaches were built for Van Hull Estates. Concrete supports and tubes for cabling have been installed. The trucks and workers were not City employees. They will be up and running soon without notice to trap the unexpected drivers. This should grab a bundle before motorists become aware."
Tanya (Wpg) I received a photo enforcement ticket on Sunday Oct 4, 2009 at 1711 stating 79 in a 60 (Construction Zone) and the Location of Offence was EB Inkster Blvd East of Roy Roche Dr. Inkster and Roy Roche Drive is the RM of Rosser...can I fight that based on the location of offence or do I have to get a trial date to get the notes of the ticketing officer as photo enforcement says location of offence is not exact and does not have to be exact on the ticket? (Wiseupwinnipeg response) The location doesn't have to be exact, however if they we're inside the RM of Rosser then they can't be there. Make sure you read the response to Vern below.
Alex (Wpg) "I was out on Saturday and grabbed some signs. I fully support your group and would be interested in helping out in whatever way I can. I am quite good at Publicizing and would be glad to help raise awareness of any future events/rallies. The majority of people dislike speed cameras, they just need to be made aware of how to voice their opinion and show their support. If I even had a weeks notice of an upcoming event, I think I could drum up a lot more supporters to come out to help show their support."
Scott (Wpg) "Great work getting the ball rolling on this! I would also like to pick up a 'slow down' sign from you guys FYI, about 5 years ago I was also threatened with arrest for "obstruction of justice" by the WPS, with my home made sign confiscated (stolen) by the officer. I guess it goes back to the old saying, if the politicians say it's not about the money, it's *definitely* about the money. Once again, great work, and if there's any more signs available I'd like to get one." (Wiseupwinnipeg response) Look along the Right of this page if you need signs
Vern (Stonewall) "My wife just got a route 90 photo radar ticket for Oct. 4th for the same thing you referenced in your you tube video with the camera at the end of the construction zone with nobody working. It was a Sunday at 6:00 PM. She is insisting I pay it and I'm insisting that this is wrong. Let me know what you guys need for help. I'd sooner give you guys the $250 then the City for a cash grab. btw... do you think we should pay the ticket? (Wiseupwinnipeg response) No, We think you should Plead not guilty to all photo tickets. Don't worry about your defense right now. You can mail in the request. Attach a note to the request advising any days off you normally have during the week and whether you prefer morning, afternoon or night court. Wait until about 1 1/2 weeks before the ticket is due to mail it in. Read this article; http://www.trafficticketguru.com/why-its-important-to-plead-not-guilty.html
Glenn (Wpg.) After 26 years of driving without any tickets at all (even parking) or any at fault accidents, I feel I'm a less safe driver since we received a photo radar ticket. I'm now more focused on checking my speedometer and on the lookout for photo vans than paying attention to my driving. I find myself either instantly slowing down to 30kph at red light camera intersections or just stare at the traffic light to watch if it changes yellow and not paying any attention my surroundings. Ended up pleading not guilty and was still convicted for the full amount of the fine ($190). How the heck are you supposed to defend an offence you don't have any recollection of (which is not a legal defense)? The experience sure didn't seem to have a positive effect on my diving. Read the article at the link above.
Ian (BC) "Hi Larry: Ian here from SENSE in BC. We are going to place a link to your website on ours and invite you to do the same." www.sense.bc.ca Great Site Ian, hope our visitors will give it a look.
Colin (wpg) "Great work guys! I heard on the Great Canadian Talk Show 92.9 (Kick FM) that someone who used one of your signs was put in the back of a cop car and accused of obstructing justice.
I wanted to mention a Winnipeg Free Press story from this past May after a press conference I did calling for people to warn upcoming motorists of speed traps. In the story, the police noted that they didn't see anything wrong with what I was advocating and that warning motorists fits with their goal of getting people to slow down."
Carter (Wpg) "Wow, that is just pure greed on their part, attempting to take advantage of angered drivers to milk them for more money. And the van is set up right at the END of the construction zone, with no workers, and no real hazards. Typical Winnipeg. Great job with the warning signs."
Gary (Rural Mb) "My daughter(20) was driving eastbound on bishop grandin and was photoed at the Lakewood intersection. According to them they say she was going 76/kmh in the 60!!! IT was 8:30 at night,dark,poor lighting and she had never gone that route before,(we live in rural mb.)She has a clear driving record and is a good cautious driver. We feel like we are framed by the BULLIES. WHAT can we do?"
Micheal (Wpg) "I live in the south end of the city and would love to get my hands on a sign or two"
Berton (BC) "BC got rid of the photo radar years ago !!"
Rick (Wpg) "I'm glad to see that this issue hasn't died. I spent most of my summer in 2008 trying to fight this and raise awareness. The Sun printed my rant , after my girlfriend was hit with 4 tickets in the same location. The Sun ran an article after that called "slow burn". We went to court , armed with photos of the sight , but were not admissible because they weren't taken on the day of the infraction. We had the fines reduced to about half , but we didn't feel like justice was done. I felt completely burned out by then. Whenever I see the issue come up in the news , I feel better about the whole thing. At least the public is aware of it."
Lisa (Wpg) "Gentlemen, I applaud your efforts. Your concerns relate to ones I have had for years (even before photo-radar). The intersections in this city promote speeding and frustration. Try driving on Portage Ave (for ex). Even maintaining or driving slightly below the speed limit, the lights are timed in such a way that traffic stops rather than flows. You should not be stopping at a red light 2 blocks after leaving one. The lights should be in sync so that traffic flows on the major thoroughfares. I believe part of your campaign to change light times should include properly syncing the cities intersections. Happy drivers speed less."
Jim (Wpg) " I received a photo radar ticket on bishop awhile back when there was construction on the bridge. The funny thing is, is that there were no workers present during my drive along bishop however a photo radar van was parked there. In our traffic by-laws it states that for the photo vans to be eligible to issue tickets - workers - must be present and none were at the time of my drive.
I have their particulars but no where in their evidence does it say workers were present. Thank you for your support,"
Maureen (Wpg) "I received a photoradar ticket for Oct4 at9:06a.m. at brookside blvd north of lucas ave. As it was a sunday and no construction taking place can I fight this ticket? I would appreciate your advice. Thank you."
Gustav (Gimli) "Good job guys!! Couldn't agree more with what you're doing! Do you know what happens now or what can a person do if they got a photo radar ticket in a construction zone??"
Ron (Wpg) " I received a ticket a year and a half ago that showed the 60km sign in front of my vehicle. I had it paid before I actually had noticed that. How are these vehicles with photo radar allowed to park in no stopping zones?"
Jeff (Eriksdale) "I agree with you 100% on this issue. I have a friend that is a police officer in North Bay, Ontario. I emailed him my ticket - which was at the Route 90/Inkster construction zone. It was 75 in a 60 - $190.80. He said the ticket would have been $52.50 in North Bay and 0 points - That's IF he would have pulled someone over. The problem with photo radar is that it can be abused by the city, province, and police agency. I have no problem getting a ticket if I deserve it. I want an officer to hand me a ticket though so I can plea the logistics first. Photo radar is a one-sided cash grab and I would bet many of the issuing officers believe it too. Where can I sign a petition?"
Jenelle (Wpg) "Hello, I got paper in the mail saying that I went through a red light. the time that the light was red when i past the sensor was 0.1 seconds this wasnt even a whole second. i went to the traffic dept and wanted to speak to someone because i didn't know where else to go and they said the only way i could speak with someone was to plead guilty with explanation. the judge would not even lower the fine. Now i am stuck with this ticket that is like 200$when i could have sworn i went in the intersection on a yellow. a human being would never have pulled me over for running a yellow light. Plus i was only going 45 in a 60 speed limit area. if i would have stepped on it a little more i would have cleared the intersection. Is there anything i can do?"
Marie (Wpg) "Hello, I was unable to attend on Oct 10th and I would like to get one of your signs please! I've actually wanted to make signs of my own for a while until I found out about your website through the Sun. I think it's such a great idea in the fight against photo radar! Thank you!"
Rodney (Wpg) "What a load of crap! About the only thing you said that made sense in your introduction was "Slow down" at the end. You and your group are like all other protesters...all bitch and no solutions. Of course it's for safety! Shake your heads and try to imagine the state of our streets if, as you propose, there were no redlight/speed cameras or radar zones? How else would YOU get the moron drivers in this city to slow down? I've never been caught in one of your 'marginal' money traps, because I slow down where I think it is prudent. Most don't. I haven't received a speeding ticket in 45 years. And there aren't as many innocent ticket victims as you try to portray. Winnipeg speeders are just that; speeders. So instead of bitching, and warning people, think up and offer some concrete solutions." (Response from Wiseupwinnipeg) "Hi Rodney Remember, our signs are being used to draw attention to the issue, not to be the solution, if you listen to our platform we have offered several viable solutions to the City that are proven to work. One being the extra second on the amber. Speed bumps in playground and school yard areas. Better signage. Barricades can be erected in a fashion that force a vehicle to slow on entrance and then periodic temp speed bumps to keep speed consistent. More human enforcement that will stop and deal with the driver who may be impaired or in a stolen or uninsured vehicle. Photo enforcement is the least effective way to slow traffic and change behavior. I know this first hand from my experience."
Denis (Wpg) "Bravo boys!! I cannot believe the amount of people that have bought into the media / marketing campaign and are willing to sit back while our lazy government steals millions of dollars that should be circulating in our economy. I hope that the media takes a more serious look at what you are doing. They have become quite lazy themselves and just portray the government message they have been handed. Don't take me to be anti government, just very frustrated with this issue. I only receive about 1 ticket per year, but when you poll your friends at a small social gathering and can discuss $2000 worth of tickets within a few months in a group of 15 people, there is something wrong. By the way our age group is 44-50, men and women, blue and white collar, soccer coaches and church secretaries. It appears they are redefining the criminal; easy to catch, easy to convict and the ability to pay. Other areas of this country have successfully made this an election issue. I hope that we can do the same, whenever that is. Thanks again"
David (Hazelridge) "I would like to obtain one of your $LOW DOWN signs."
Cal (Wpg) "Hi, I was wondering what other illegitamate actions occur in public service. I was wondering if more information on city or province doings could be presented. Photo radar is just the tip of the iceberg, I believe. Thanks."
Alan (Petersfield) "What defense can I use.. I was doing 80 in a construction zone (normal speed is 80)It was a sunday at 1320 hrs, no workers present!!! I assumed it was 80 as no workers were present and no work being done! FYI clean abstract and 5 merits for almost 30 years." Wise Up Winnipeg Response. "Plead not guilty to each and every photo ticket. Then wait for your court package to determine what the case is against you before you proceed further. You can always change your plea to guilty with an explanation at your court date.
For further information on why it's important to plead not guilty, CLICK HERE
Jeremie (Wpg) "I was wondering if I could get a sign or bumber sticker if you have any so I could display it on my vehicle. I drive by the one on kenaston all the time and see a lot of ppl all the time get ticketed for no reason and this is well after ppl are gone and I think its rediculous. If I knew there was a rally on the 10th I would of loved to be there but missed it"
