The Ontario government introduced a new bill on Monday that will prohibit the use of speed cameras in local municipalities across the province.
The legislation, titled the “Building a More Competitive Economy Act,” aims to safeguard and bolster Ontario’s economy by simplifying regulatory procedures, promoting local businesses, enhancing labor mobility, and boosting competitiveness.
Comprising 11 initiatives, the bill seeks to enhance labor movement and streamline the government’s processes for permits and approvals. Additionally, it includes a provision to phase out the utilization of municipal speed cameras and shift focus to alternative traffic calming methods.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced, “Once this legislation receives royal assent, speed cameras will no longer be valid or enforceable in Ontario. Our priority has always been to deter speeding at the point of entry into these zones, not through tickets weeks later. This bill will ensure that goal is met.”
Although Premier Doug Ford had previously announced his intention to ban speed cameras, the decision has faced opposition from various groups, such as local police chiefs, school boards, and mayors who rely on speed cameras for road safety measures.
Critics argue that banning speed cameras could jeopardize road safety progress, increase enforcement expenses, and threaten lives. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow have been vocal opponents of the ban, emphasizing the importance of speed cameras in maintaining road safety.
A study conducted by SickKids Hospital and Toronto Metropolitan University revealed that Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) reduced speeding in Toronto by 45%. Furthermore, a CAA survey conducted in 2025 indicated that nearly 75% of Ontario drivers support the use of speed cameras to enhance road safety.