The Ford government in Ontario is expected to announce legislation this fall that will eliminate speed cameras across the province, as confirmed by CityNews. A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, during which Premier Doug Ford will be accompanied by the Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria.
This decision follows weeks of public criticism from Ford regarding the cameras, which he claims have extracted hundreds of millions from taxpayers. In a recent statement, he expressed, “They’ve taken hundreds and hundreds of millions out of taxpayers’ pockets. God knows the government gouges people enough on their taxes and every other penny they can get off them.” Ford has hinted at alternative solutions to slow traffic without the use of speed cameras.
The announcement comes in the wake of several speed cameras being vandalized on Toronto streets over the past six months, including a specific camera on Parkside Drive that has been cut down multiple times. Critics argue that the government's potential decision to eliminate speed cameras is an acquiescence to criminal behavior.
Jess Spieker, a representative of Friends and Families for Safe Streets, commented on the situation, stating, “Our premier seems to be taking acts of criminal vandalism like the cutting down of lifesaving speed cameras as if they’re policy demands and acquiescing.” She further emphasized the rising road safety crisis, noting that between one and two people are killed every day in preventable crashes within the province. Spieker criticized Ford’s approach as dangerous populist politics that could endanger lives.
Contrary to Ford's belief that speed cameras are unpopular, a 2025 survey conducted by CAA with 1,500 Ontario drivers reveals that 73 percent support their usage, while 76 percent believe they effectively deter speeding. Additionally, a recent study from SickKids indicated that these cameras have almost reduced speeding near Toronto schools by half.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has continued to support the use of speed cameras despite ongoing vandalism, stressing the importance of safety for vulnerable populations, particularly children. Chow stated, “Speed kills. Torontonians, especially those most vulnerable, like children, need to be safe.” Similarly, Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton has highlighted the success of the city’s speed camera program, citing data that demonstrates improvements in road safety due to automated speed enforcement.
Ontario's police chiefs have also publicly supported the implementation of speed cameras, arguing that they contribute to decreased fatalities and overall safer roadways. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw remarked, “Fatalities are down. The roadways are statistically becoming safer because of all the different things we’re doing, and speed cameras happen to be one of those things.” Furthermore, Spieker pointed out that paying fines for speeding is purely voluntary, arguing that all drivers can avoid such penalties by obeying traffic laws.
As the situation unfolds, it is evident that the debate surrounding speed cameras in Ontario is contentious, with strong opinions on both sides regarding their effectiveness and impact on road safety.
