Several parent groups across Ontario are mobilizing against a proposed speed camera ban, coinciding with the return of Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to Queen's Park for a new legislative session. This widespread protest is notably taking place on Monday, with demonstrations organized in various cities including Toronto, Vaughan, Midland, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Ottawa. A previous protest occurred in Toronto's east end on Saturday.
The backdrop of these protests stems from an announcement made by Premier Doug Ford earlier this month. The premier revealed that his Progressive Conservative government intends to introduce a bill aimed at banning speed cameras, which he has frequently criticized as a "cash grab" for municipalities. Ford argues that speed cameras are unnecessary, especially in light of other traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, and flashing lights designed to slow down drivers.
Among the organizers of these rallies is Tom DeVito, a resident of the Junction neighborhood in Toronto. DeVito, who lives with his wife Danielle and their three-year-old daughter Goldie, expressed his profound disappointment over the proposed legislation. He described the bill as a "horrible piece of legislation" and expressed outrage upon learning about the government's plans to dismantle a tool that has been effective in controlling dangerous driving behaviors, especially in proximity to schools.
DeVito emphasizes the importance of speed cameras in his community, which he characterizes as a "child superhighway." Children in this area frequently walk and bike to school and participate in various activities. As a father, DeVito's primary concern is ensuring the safety of children on the roads. He recognizes the unpredictable nature of young children and the reality that car crashes are among the leading causes of death for children in Canada. Consequently, DeVito argues that it is illogical to remove a proven safety measure that helps protect children.
He makes an analogy to carpentry, stating, "This would be like a carpenter saying, I don’t need a screwdriver because I’m updating and improving the hammer that I own." His point stresses that, while other measures such as roundabouts and speed bumps are valuable tools for improving road safety, they should not be seen as replacements for speed safety cameras, which he likens to an essential tool in a carpenter's kit.
DeVito's concerns resonate not only among parents but also among municipal leaders. Mayors from over 20 cities, alongside various school boards, have urged Premier Ford to reconsider his position on the speed camera ban. Instead of a complete scrapping of the program, these leaders are advocating for a refinement that maintains the benefits of the technology in safeguarding children on the road.
Data from multiple municipalities that have assessed the impact of speed cameras on traffic speed shows a significant reduction in speeding incidents. For instance, a study conducted by the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Metropolitan University found that the presence of speed cameras led to a 45 percent decrease in speeding within Toronto. This evidence further supports the argument that speed cameras play a crucial role in enhancing road safety for children and the community at large.
