Ontario has moved to eliminate all automated speed cameras within two weeks, with the province’s premier labeling them an “outdated way to make money” rather than an effective road safety tool, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism.
Premier Doug Ford announced the province would remove all such cameras across Ontario, arguing they do little to reduce speeding and instead burden drivers with fines that often arrive long after the infraction. He characterized the devices as a “cash grab.”
The provincial legislature last week approved a law to prohibit the speed cameras and mandate their removal from roadways within the next two weeks. This decision followed a series of vandalisms targeting the devices.
In place of the cameras, Ontario plans to adopt physical traffic calming measures. These include speed bumps, roundabouts, and signs equipped with flashing lights.
Transport Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria has not yet provided a timeline for the installation of these new infrastructure elements.
Premier Ford stated his government would establish a fund to help municipalities cover the costs of these physical traffic moderation systems. The exact amount of this provincial funding has not been specified.
The legislation to ban cameras was reportedly included within a broader bill aimed at reducing bureaucracy. This meant it received limited debate and no public hearing before its approval, according to reports citing CBC.
New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Marit Stiles criticized the new approach. She warned that if pedestrians or children are injured during this transition, the responsibility would fall squarely on the Premier’s shoulders.
Speed cameras are generally used globally to measure vehicle speeds and identify drivers exceeding legal limits. These systems often integrate with automatic processes that record license plates and issue electronic fines.
Proponents of speed cameras argue they contribute significantly to reducing road accidents by encouraging more prudent driving and enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
However, public opinion on these devices is often divided. While some drivers believe cameras improve safety by deterring speeding without constant human policing, critics contend their primary purpose is revenue generation rather than genuine safety enhancement.