Calgary's roads are becoming a battleground, and the Calgary Police Commission is sounding the alarm. But here's where it gets controversial: despite a staggering 677 speeding tickets issued on Stoney Trail in January alone (averaging over 20 per day), officers lack the power to impound vehicles for excessive speeding. This raises a critical question: are current penalties enough to deter dangerous driving? Vice Chair Kelly Ogle certainly doesn’t think so. During a recent commission hearing, Ogle expressed frustration, stating, “Someone’s going 155 on Stoney, they get pulled over, they get a ticket... and they get back in their car and drive away. This is ludicrous.” And this is the part most people miss: Alberta’s legislation doesn’t allow officers to impound vehicles for speeding, even when drivers are caught going 50+ km/h over the limit—an offense that already triggers a mandatory court hearing. In contrast, provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario have stricter measures in place. So, why not Alberta? Deputy Chief Cliff O’Brien acknowledged discussions with the government about potential sanctions, including vehicle seizures or license suspensions, but no changes have been implemented yet. Meanwhile, the province is set to increase speeding fines by 50% in March, though some argue this may not be enough. Chief Katie McLellan emphasized the urgency, stating, “Something needs to change. We cannot continue on this path.” The commission also continues to advocate for the return of photo radar enforcement, which was restricted last year. But is this enough to curb the alarming rise in dangerous driving? With seven traffic fatalities so far this year, including three pedestrians, and a deadly 2025 that saw 38 lives lost on Calgary roads, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should Alberta adopt stricter measures like vehicle impoundment for excessive speeding, or are increased fines and public awareness campaigns sufficient? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could save lives.
