ICBC replacing all 140 intersection safety cameras across B.C. with higher-resolution technology by spring 2027
The $67 million upgrade will refresh cameras at high-risk intersections in Metro Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna and Prince George, with about 90 locations requiring temporary road work.
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ICBC announced Thursday that 140 intersection safety cameras across British Columbia will be replaced and upgraded with modern technology. The cameras are installed at some of the province's highest-risk intersections and are intended to help reduce red-light running and excessive speeding.
The cameras are located in Metro Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna and Prince George. All 140 cameras record red-light violations; 35 locations also monitor speeding. Warning signs are posted at every camera location.
New cameras will provide higher-resolution images and are expected to remain in service for at least 10 years with proper maintenance. Minor road work is required at about 90 camera locations, and upgrades may result in temporary lane closures and approximately two weeks of construction at affected sites. Work will be completed in phases until spring 2027. Jenoptik Canada has been selected to supply and install the new cameras and maintain them for up to 10 years.
RoadSafetyBC reports show fewer drivers running red lights at the 140 current camera locations. The cameras have contributed to reductions in serious collisions including side-impact, head-on and pedestrian-involved crashes. Over the past five years, red-light violations decreased by 13 per cent, and repeat red-light offenders declined by 29 per cent. At locations equipped with speed-enforcement cameras, the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 km/h fell by 52 per cent over the past three years.
Niki Sharma, attorney general and minister responsible for ICBC, said in the announcement: "Intersections are where drivers, cyclists and pedestrians all share the road, and where some of the most serious crashes in B.C. occur. Upgrading these cameras with modern technology will help ensure a proven road safety program continues to reduce dangerous driving and prevent crashes for years to come."
The facts
How many intersection safety cameras is ICBC replacing across B.C.?
ICBC is replacing 140 intersection safety cameras across British Columbia with higher-resolution technology.
What is the cost of this camera upgrade?
The upgrade costs $67 million.
When will the camera replacement be completed?
Work will be completed in phases until spring 2027.
How many camera locations require road work?
Approximately 90 of the 140 camera locations require minor road work, which may result in temporary lane closures and about two weeks of construction at each affected site.
What safety improvements have the current cameras achieved?
Over the past five years, red-light violations decreased by 13 per cent and repeat red-light offenders declined by 29 per cent. At locations with speed cameras, drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 km/h fell by 52 per cent over the past three years.
