Ontario Premier Doug Ford has praised Vaughan city council for their decision to end the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program during a recent vote. The move, which garnered support from Mayor Steven Del Duca and council members, marks a shift away from using speed cameras as a means of traffic control.
Ford took to social media to express his approval of the decision, stating that municipal speed cameras were merely a “cash grab” and that there are alternative methods to ensure road safety without burdening taxpayers.
The decision to permanently terminate Vaughan’s speed camera program came after a temporary halt was placed on the initiative due to a high volume of tickets being issued in a short span of time. Del Duca, the driving force behind the motion, emphasized the importance of focusing on more effective traffic-calming measures.
During a special council meeting, Del Duca’s motion was successfully passed, prompting immediate changes to the program in Vaughan. The motion also includes a request to suspend York Region’s ASE program on Regional roads within Vaughan’s jurisdiction.
While Del Duca and Ford stand united in their stance against speed cameras, other municipalities have voiced their support for the program. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario, backed by studies showing a reduction in speeding incidents, has urged Ford to reconsider his position.
Despite differing opinions, the debate surrounding the effectiveness of speed cameras continues, with advocates like Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow underscoring the positive impact of these devices on road safety.