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Edmonton’s photo radar fund now risks dipping into the red as local speeders lighten up on the gas.

Council heard Tuesday the fund was $3 million short this year because people aren’t speeding as much as expected, said chief financial officer Todd Burge.

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“I would argue that’s a good news story,” said Coun. Ben Henderson, suggesting council wants the budget to hit zero with no tickets because no one is speeding.

“That is a good news story,” added Coun. Scott McKeen, trying to ensure no one thought council wanted to increase photo radar efforts just to balance the budget.

Burge said city efforts to balance the budget will focus on finding other funding for the traffic safety projects, rather than increasing revenue.

Photo by City of Edmonton

The year-end balance for the photo radar reserve is projected to be $8.9 million, $3 million short of what was expected. If that trend continues, the fund will be $200,000 short by the end of 2018 because council has already committed $9.1 million to various projects.