Petition calls for ‘immediate removal’ of all speed enforcement cameras in Brampton

Hundreds of people have thrown their signatures behind a petition calling for “the immediate removal” of all speed enforcement cameras in Brampton while the city is set to add more by the end of the summer.

The petition on Change.org was launched last week and says the city’s recent push to add more automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras has led to residents “living under constant surveillance.”

The city moved closer to its goal of installing 185 cameras by the end of summer with the addition of 50 new Automated Speed Enforcement cameras that came online across Brampton last month.

With some 150 automated cameras already in place, the petition says residents already dealing with an affordability crisis, rising taxes and inflation “cannot afford to have their hard earned money siphoned through automated ticketing systems.”

“These cameras disproportionately impact working class (sic) individuals, many of whom are just trying to commute safely, efficiently, and peacefully,” the petition says.

More than 540 people had signed the petition as of Wednesday at around 4 p.m., demanding:

• An immediate halt to the installation of any new speed cameras.
• Immediate removal of all currently installed speed enforcement cameras in Brampton.
• Full public disclosure on revenue generated from these cameras, and how it has been used.
• Implementation of fair, transparent public consultation before any future enforcement measures are introduced.

“It’s time to say NO to constant surveillance, NO to financial exploitation, and YES to accountability, fairness, and real public safety,” the petition reads.

Speed cameras can be found in Brampton Community Safety Zones and common problem areas. Fines increase depending on the driver’s speed, with the lowest rate being $5 per kilometre plus costs for drivers speeding between 1 and 19 km over the limit, ranging up to $19.50 per kilometre.

Last year, Brampton City Council gave the go-ahead to hire dozens of new enforcement officers and more than triple the number of speed cameras on the roads, with a report showing the amendments would cost some $5.97 million.

The city also set aside $1,376,000 for IT work on a project bringing dozens of cutting-edge cameras and license plate recognition cameras at 40 intersections across Brampton, but the upgrades ballooned to more than $11.6 million in 2024.

ASE ticketing was also brought in-house when the new processing centre opened in Brampton last year, following a move from Toronto that the city says will help deter speeding, increase road safety, and create more revenue.