WINNIPEG, Man. – There appears to be no stopping photo radar from being introduced in Manitoba, as controversial amendments allowing its use were recently approved.

Winnipeg City Police plan to be giving out warning notices to drivers by the end of the summer, when photo radar and red light cameras are implemented.

“We’re glad the government saw fit to introduce the bill and to take it so far and so fast,” Winnipeg Sgt. Jon Butcher tells local media.

Expected to be proclaimed later this summer, the bill would then become law. For the first two months after photo radar is implemented, warning notices will be given to speeders and red light runners.

About 11 red light cameras are slated to go up around Winnipeg, and five photo enforcement vehicles will be put into use on city streets. Transportation Minister, Steve Ashton, attempted to introduce the new bill last year, but it was held up by the Opposition Tories.

Winnipeg police chief Jack Ewatski insists Manitobans favor the use of photo radar to control traffic speeds.

Recently, Manitoba’s Transportation and Government Services Minister, Steve Ashton introduced amendments to the bill aimed at ensuring fairness.

The new amendments are designed to put to rest the accusations that photo radar is being implemented as a cash grab for the province, and will aim at making the process revenue neutral for the province.

“The purpose of photo enforcement is to increase safety on our roads, not to generate revenues for local municipalities or the province,” says Ashton. “Although the province does not anticipate receiving any surplus revenues from photo enforcement, this amendment ensures that any revenues exceeding the cost of running the system are directed to safety and policing.”