The Ontario Municipalities Association is urging Premier Doug Ford to reconsider his decision to remove automated speed cameras, warning that it could endanger pedestrians.
In response to the recent removal of 17 automated speed cameras in Toronto, Premier Ford criticized the use of these cameras, labeling them as a mere “cash grab.” He suggested that large signs and flashing lights would be more effective in deterring speeding motorists.
However, the Ontario Municipalities Association wrote a letter to Ford, citing a study conducted by SickKids and Toronto Metropolitan University in July, which found that the presence of automated speed cameras reduced speeding incidents by 45% in Toronto. The association emphasized that removing these cameras may lead to an increase in speeding within community safety zones, putting pedestrians at greater risk.
Ford’s office has not provided further comments on the matter beyond the initial statements made by the Premier and the Ministry of Transportation.