September 10, 2009

Surrey Safety Boosted by More than $3 Million Provincial Investment

SURREY – The provincial government is providing $3,082,862 in Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing to the City of Surrey in support of public safety initiatives and local government operations.

“Surrey residents will benefit from safety programs sooner thanks to this advanced funding of traffic fine revenue,” says Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon. “This investment will help improve public safety in the city and to support the local municipality’s initiatives. Since 2004, our government has proudly demonstrated its commitment to return this revenue, improving the security of our communities.”

“This funding is a great way to use revenue gained from law enforcement for crime prevention and public safety,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux. “Thanks to the hard work of our local government and provincial investment such as this, we are making a real difference in our community.”

“Community safety is vital and, through this advanced payment, we are getting funding to municipal governments sooner,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. “Our local government knows which crime prevention initiatives are priorities and I’m pleased we’re ensuring every dollar of traffic revenue will be available to improve the safety of our residents.”

This is the second installment of the Strategic Community Investment Fund, a two-year, $232-million initiative consisting of the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Program and Small Community and Regional District Grants. Communities received a first payment in Spring 2009 and will receive a third payment in early 2010.

Through the Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing Program, the province has provided 100 per cent of net traffic fine revenues to local government since 2004. Traffic fine revenue comes from fines on violation tickets, with a municipality receiving an amount based on its contribution to total municipal policing costs. The Small Community and Regional District Grant allocation is calculated based on population and assessment.