Waterloo region has decided to halt the implementation of new speed cameras until further guidance is provided by the province. This decision came after Premier Doug Ford expressed intentions to ban speed cameras. Regional councillors voted 14-1 to pause the installation of any additional cameras beyond the current 28 already in place or scheduled to become operational this week.
Currently, there are 22 speed cameras operational in the region, with six more set to go live this week. The locations for the new cameras include Manchester Public School in Cambridge, Clearview Mennonite School in Woolwich Township, and near four schools in Kitchener: Courtland, Bridgeport, Chicipee Hills, and Eastwood Collegiate.
During discussions, Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett advocated for the installation of a camera outside Manchester Public School due to observed speeding in the area. Council members like Coun. Joe Gowing supported the pause, citing concerns about potential costs and the need for more transparent communication about the program.
Coun. Michael Harris, who previously had reservations about speed cameras, expressed a change in perspective. He emphasized that the revenue generated from the automated speed enforcement cameras would be reinvested into road safety measures, dispelling notions of it being a mere revenue generator.
While many mayors across the province have urged reconsideration of the speed camera ban, Premier Ford remains firm on his decision to move forward with the prohibition. Despite the uncertainty about the future of speed cameras in the region, councillors and officials emphasize the positive impact the program has had on improving road safety and changing driver behavior.