Photo Radars and Red Light Cameras - Launch of a new call for tenders for the acquisition and maintenance of photo radars and red light cameras

QUÉBEC, June 2, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The ministère des Transports is announcing the launch today of a new call for tenders on the Gouvernement du Québec's Système électronique d'appel d'offres (www.seao.ca) for the acquisition and maintenance of 37 devices: 18 mobile photo radars, 6 fixed photo radars and 13 red light cameras. It is a major step forward in preparing for the deployment of a larger number of mobile and fixed devices in Québec in 2015.

To promote healthy competition and ensure a more transparent process, the Ministère has made adjustments to its approach and clarified some of its requirements. It is hoped that these measures will help interest a larger number of companies to bid in proper form before the deadline.

A new call for tenders better adapted to the reality of the market

The adjustments made include translating the call for tenders into English to attract the interest of companies worldwide. One of the most significant changes is that while currently a photograph is taken of the front and rear plates, these new devices will photograph only the plate on the rear of the vehicle. Bidders will also be aware of the planned locations of the next fixed photo radars so they can better estimate installation and maintenance costs. They will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement beforehand, since these locations will not be official until a ministerial order is signed, which is planned for later in the process.

Background and new schedule

In March 2013, the Ministère issued a call for tenders for the acquisition of a number of similar devices. Prior to issuing the call for tenders, a notice of intent was sent to 17 companies specializing in photo radar to encourage them to bid. Four companies obtained the documentation, but only one made an offer. Because the difference between the estimate and the price offered was too high, the Ministère decided to revise its approach and create a new call for tenders, resulting in the initiative being launched today.

The current call for tenders process should lead to the selection of a bidder in fall 2014 and the signing of a contract in the following months. According to this schedule, the new mobile photo radars may be put into operation in the first months of 2015, while the new fixed photo radars will operational in summer 2015.

For more information on photo radars and red light cameras, go to www.objectifsecurite.gouv.qc.ca.

SOURCE: Ministère des Transports

Source:
Valérie Rodrigue
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal region
Tel.: [phone]

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