The Ford government says it will ban speed cameras across Ontario in the upcoming budget in October 2025.
Ironically, it was the Ford government that passed enabling such regulations in December of 2019 that allowed municipalities to run such programs.
Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is a computerized system that utilizes a camera and a speed measurement device to detect and capture images of vehicles traveling at speeds exceeding the posted limit. It is designed to work in tandem with other methods and strategies, including engineering measures, education initiatives, and traditional police enforcement.
If a vehicle is detected by the ASE system travelling in excess of the posted speed limit, the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a violation notice regardless of who was driving. No demerit points will be issued by the Ministry of Transportation, and no one’s driving record will be impacted.
ASE is focused on altering driver behaviour to decrease speeding and increase safety. Photo radar devices are installed at identified locations to improve road safety. It is designed for use in school and community zones. A study from SickKids this summer found that ASE cameras had cut speeding around Toronto schools nearly in half.
Furthermore, the police chiefs’ association said in a statement that using automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras “has been proven to reduce speeding, change driver behaviour, and make our roads safer for everyone — drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and especially children and other vulnerable road users.”
In my view, hoping that drivers will continue to drive safely, even if the cameras are removed, is an ill-conceived idea.
Mario Leclerc
Former SDG NDP candidate