Ontario is moving to ban municipal automated speed enforcement cameras, calling them a “cash grab” and pledging to fund alternative traffic-calming measures instead.
Premier Doug Ford said Thursday his government will introduce legislation next month that, if passed, would outlaw the use of speed cameras immediately upon Royal Assent.
“At a time when governments at all levels should be doing everything they can to lower costs and make life more affordable, too many municipalities are using speed cameras as a cash grab,” Ford said in a statement. “Enough is enough.”
Since 2019, more than 700 speed cameras have been installed in 40 municipalities across Ontario, with more slated for deployment. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the devices have become “nothing more than a tool for raising revenue.”
The province says it will establish a new fund to help municipalities implement other road-safety measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, enhanced signage and public education campaigns.
As part of the transition, municipalities with existing cameras in school zones will be required to install large warning signs by mid-November 2025, with permanent flashing signs in place by September 2026.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca welcomed the change. “Road safety will always be a priority … but we will also focus our attention on fighting real crime and going after real criminals,” he said.
Here in Peterborough, Mayor Jeff Leal recently spoke to PTBOTODAY.ca about his support for the cameras. City council approved a pilot project earlier this year that will install four automated speed cameras in designated Community Safety Zones.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
