Ontario Premier Doug Ford Contemplates Repurposing Speed Cameras for Crime Prevention
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is considering a new approach to the speed cameras he plans to ban – repurposing them to aid in tracking down stolen vehicles and suspects involved in home invasions.
Ford recently announced his government’s upcoming legislation to ban speed cameras throughout the province, citing his belief that these cameras primarily serve as a revenue-generating mechanism for municipalities, rather than promoting road safety.
Despite evidence from various regions and studies by the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Metropolitan University indicating that speed cameras effectively reduce speeding, Ford remains skeptical. He, however, emphasizes his support for red light cameras, attributing their importance to preventing serious accidents resulting from running red lights.
During a press conference in Hamilton, where Mayor Andrea Horwath advocates for the use of speed cameras, Ford raised the possibility of repurposing these devices for crime prevention. He speculated on the potential for using the cameras to identify stolen cars, emphasizing that such a decision would only be made with the approval of local communities.
Ford’s remarks underscore a shift in focus towards leveraging existing technology for public safety initiatives, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness and purpose of automated traffic enforcement systems.
This article was originally reported by The Canadian Press on September 29, 2025.
Keyphrase: Ontario speed cameras