Paying photo radar tickets and traffic fines online will now cost less for Albertans, as the province takes back control of the online payments.

The NDP government announced Thursday that service fees for online fine payments through the province's expanded My Alberta eServices portal have been cut in half to $3.

Until now, online fine payments were processed by the Association of Alberta Registry Agents and the Alberta Motor Association at a cost of $6 per transaction.

However, fines for traffic tickets can still be paid in-person at any Alberta registry office.

The province says taking over the online processing of provincial fines will save taxpayers money by reducing paperwork errors, and freeing up court resources.

"By cutting service fees in half, this system will save Albertans money," Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, said in a statement.

Starting Friday, fines including traffic tickets and fines for common liquor offences and LRT or C-Train violations can be paid online through fines.alberta.ca.