Premier Doug Ford Stands Firm on Ban of Municipal Speed Cameras in Ontario
Premier Doug Ford has reaffirmed his government’s decision to outlaw municipal speed cameras across Ontario, brushing aside pleas from Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward to maintain the programs.
In a strongly worded letter to both mayors, Ford criticized the devices as mere “cash grabs,” asserting that they do not enhance road safety but only burden drivers with hefty fines.
Ford’s stance follows appeals from Brown and Meed Ward for the province to reconsider the legislation that would prohibit automated speed enforcement.
Ford declared, “The answer is no. Our government is putting an end to this municipal cash grab once and for all. Municipal speed cameras are solely effective at extracting money from hard-working individuals.”
Instead of speed cameras, Ford announced that the province will support “proven and proactive” traffic-calming initiatives like roundabouts, speed bumps, and enhanced signage, particularly in school zones.
The premier highlighted a surge in ticketing revenue as evidence:
Ford contended that if the cameras were truly effective at slowing down drivers, ticket numbers would be decreasing, not increasing.
The letter arrives amidst growing opposition from local officials who argue that speed cameras are vital for safeguarding children and pedestrians in school areas.
Brown has emerged as a prominent critic of the ban, cautioning that eliminating cameras could compromise road safety. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has also defended the city’s program, emphasizing that the cameras save lives and advocating for municipalities to have the freedom to choose.
Ford rejected requests from Brown and Meed Ward for assistance in covering the costs of canceling existing contracts, proposing that municipalities use the revenue accrued from fines or seek compensation from the camera operators.
Ontario’s legislation will protect municipalities from financial risks associated with terminating contracts.
Ford’s government introduced a bill in September to officially bar municipal speed cameras. If enacted, the law would mandate the removal of current devices and prohibit the installation of new ones.
The initiative has ignited a province-wide discussion on road safety, municipal authority, and the interplay between enforcement and infrastructure. Recently, Ontario’s school boards have also weighed in, urging the government to prioritize student safety over political considerations.
Ford affirmed, “Our government is willing to support new signage and traffic-calming measures to ensure the safety of school zones. However, we will not allow your municipal speed camera cash grab to persist.”
“I am eager to collaborate on safeguarding our communities without imposing additional financial burdens on Ontario’s hard-working residents.”
Keyphrase: Ontario speed cameras