Speed cameras to be banned in Ontario

Ontario just announced a plan to ban speed cameras across the province.

Ontario will introduce legislation next month that will ban the use of municipal automated speed enforcement cameras across the province, Premier Doug Ford said on Thursday in a press conference.

“At a time when governments at all levels should be doing everything they can to lower costs and make life more affordable, too many municipalities are using speed cameras as a cash grab,” Ford said. “Enough is enough. Instead of making life more expensive by sending speeding tickets to drivers weeks after the fact, we’re supporting road-safety measures that will prevent speeding in the first place, keep costs down and keep our streets safe.”

A new provincial fund will help municipalities implement alternative safety measures, such as speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks and curb extensions, as well as public education and improved signage, to slow down drivers.

If passed, this legislation will prevent the use of municipal speed cameras in Ontario immediately upon Royal Assent.

The news comes as speed cameras in Toronto have been repeatedly cut down.

While Ford suggests the cameras are not effective, cities such as Brampton and Mississauga have invested in the cameras and have data to show the devices are working in those communities.

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish suggested on Wednesday that Mississauga city council send a “strong letter” to the Premier asking for the speed cameras to remain in school zones.

The province said it will introduce requirements for municipalities with existing speed cameras in school zones to install large new signs to slow down drivers by mid-November 2025, with permanent, large signs with flashing lights to be in place by September 2026.

The province said that since 2019, over 700 municipal speed cameras have been installed in 40 municipalities across Ontario, with more currently planned for installation in the coming months.

“Municipal speed cameras have become nothing more than a tool for raising revenue,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is focused on measures that truly protect the safety of all Ontarians and we will continue working with municipalities to ensure Ontario maintains its position as one of the safest jurisdictions in North America.”