In a move to ban speed cameras, the Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has passed legislation to remove them in two weeks. Despite the upcoming removal, it remains uncertain when the alternative traffic calming measures advocated by Ford will be implemented.
Ford has expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing speeding among drivers, contrasting with findings by municipalities and researchers from the Hospital for Sick Children. He believes that solutions like speed bumps, roundabouts, and enhanced signage are more impactful in addressing the issue.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria has mentioned the installation of temporary and larger signage in speed camera-affected areas before the removal date. The government plans to collaborate with municipalities in the coming weeks to explore additional traffic calming initiatives.
Although Ford has indicated that municipalities will be encouraged to adopt speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and roundabouts, details regarding the funding for these measures have not been disclosed. Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has raised concerns about the lack of clarity on funding and the necessity to have alternative measures in place before removing speed cameras to avoid compromising safety.
Opposing the removal of speed cameras, NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal parliamentary leader John Fraser argue that it may jeopardize community safety based on evidence from various sources, including municipalities, the Hospital for Sick Children study, and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. The decision to ban speed cameras was accelerated through a red tape reduction bill, bypassing public hearings and limiting debate after incidents of speed camera vandalism in Toronto prompted Ford’s heightened stance against their use.