The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, is set to introduce new legislation aimed at removing speed cameras across the province. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, where Premier Ford and Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria will provide further details.
Over the past weeks, Premier Ford has been vocal in criticizing the use of speed cameras, citing their financial burden on taxpayers. He expressed his intention to address the issue by exploring alternative measures to control traffic speed.
The decision to eliminate speed cameras comes in the wake of multiple incidents of vandalism targeting these devices in Toronto, with one camera on Parkside Drive being repeatedly damaged. Critics, including Jess Spieker from Friends and Families for Safe Streets, argue that removing the cameras may incentivize such destructive behavior.
While Ford advocates for road design changes like speed bumps and prominent signage as more effective solutions, Spieker argues that these measures have proven ineffective in addressing the pressing road safety concerns.
Despite the government’s stance against speed cameras, public opinion remains divided. A survey conducted by CAA indicated that a majority of Ontario drivers support the use of speed cameras and believe they deter speeding. Furthermore, a recent study by SickKids revealed a significant reduction in speeding near schools where these cameras were installed.
Various officials, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, have voiced support for speed cameras as an essential tool in promoting road safety. Ontario Police Chiefs have also emphasized the life-saving impact of speed cameras, highlighting a decrease in fatalities and improved roadway safety.