by Ontario Government Bans Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras
Drivers in Ontario, Canada, will soon be able to forget about unexpected speeding tickets arriving by mail. The province has announced the complete removal of all automated speed enforcement cameras within the next two weeks. The government called these devices an outdated “cash grab tool” and promised a new approach to road safety.
Key Changes and Alternatives
Driver Reaction and Critics’ Arguments
For many years, cameras placed near school zones and busy roads have evoked controversial emotions. Some drivers believed they served their purpose by slowing down traffic and recording offenders without the need for additional police officers. However, opponents of the system insisted that the cameras were focused on budget replenishment rather than safety.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford personally called the cameras a “cash grab tool,” noting that they had little impact on reducing speed and only burdened drivers with fines that arrived long after the fact.
Legislative Basis and Consequences
On Thursday, the government passed a bill to ban the cameras and remove them from the roads within two weeks. This decision is partly related to a series of vandalism acts against these devices. Instead of cameras, physical traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, and signs with flashing lights will be implemented. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria has not yet provided a clear timeline for their implementation.
Financial Aspects and Criticism
Such infrastructure requires funds, unlike cameras, which generated revenue. Premier Ford stated that his administration would create a fund to help municipalities finance these measures, but details regarding the amount of funds and their sources have not yet been disclosed.
The bill to ban cameras was included in a larger red tape reduction law, which limited the time for its discussion and avoided public hearings. This approach contrasts with policies in other regions, such as Maryland, where a system of progressive fines that can reach $425 has been introduced.
Safety Concerns
Although drivers may perceive this change positively, not everyone supports the decision. Many believe that cameras effectively reduce the number of accidents, as confirmed by numerous studies. There are also concerns about the period between the removal of cameras and the implementation of new measures.
“There are many ways to slow people down, but if even one person or child is harmed during this interim period, it will be on this premier’s conscience,” said Opposition Leader Marit Stiles.
The transition to physical traffic calming measures can provide more consistent safety, but their implementation requires time and resources. The experience of other countries shows that a combination of different approaches often yields the best results, so it is important that the Ontario government quickly and effectively implements alternative solutions without creating dangerous gaps in traffic protection.
