More drivers report getting speed camera tickets in Ontario

There’s been a jump in the number of Ontario drivers who say they’ve received a speed camera ticket, according to a new CAA survey.

CAA South Central Ontario announced in a media release Wednesday that 23 per cent of drivers in the province said they have received an automated speed enforcement camera ticket.

That’s up from 17 per cent in 2024.

The survey also revealed that many drivers are changing their habits as a result of speed cameras.

Seventy-three per cent of Ontario drivers said they slow down when nearing one of the devices and 52 per cent said they’re unlikely to speed up after passing a speed camera zone (an increase from 44 per cent in 2023).

Almost half of drivers (46 per cent) said they avoid driving on roads where there is a speed camera.

“When drivers choose to slow down or change their routes because of photo radar, it means the technology is doing what it’s meant to, reminding us to be more mindful behind the wheel,” said Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario.

Although there was an increase in the number of drivers who reported getting a ticket, 73 per cent said they support the use of speed cameras in target areas like school zones or near community centres and 76 per cent believe that the devices deter speeding altogether.

CAA added that 40 per cent of drivers have admitted to speeding within the past year.

“While speed cameras may not solve every road safety issue overnight, they play an important role in nudging driver behaviour in a safer direction,” Stewart said.

But he said while there is overall support for the cameras in community safety or school zones, officials need to thoroughly consider expanding them elsewhere.

“These cameras should never be used as a revenue generator, but rather, as a method to help protect road users and encourage safer driving habits,” he said.