Ontario government passes law to ban speed cameras within two weeks amid controversy over traffic safety alternatives

Toronto – Agencies

The government of Ontario, led by Doug Ford, announced the start of removing speed cameras from the province's streets within two weeks, after passing new legislation in the local parliament on Thursday that bans the use of automated speed monitoring cameras.

Ford said that speed cameras “do not work as they should in slowing down drivers,” adding that alternative solutions such as speed bumps, traffic circles, and illuminated signals are more effective in improving driver behavior. However, the government did not specify a clear date for implementing these alternatives.

Transport Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria confirmed that authorities will temporarily install larger warning signs at locations that previously had cameras, saying after the parliamentary questioning session:

“We will install temporary signs before November 14 in all affected areas, and we will continue to cooperate with municipalities in the coming weeks to identify additional funding options for traffic calming measures.”

The minister pointed out that the government will encourage municipalities to use raised speed bumps, raised pedestrian crossings, and traffic circles, with the creation of a new funding pool to help cover the costs of these projects, without disclosing the amount of support so far.

Opposition and Relevant Authorities’ Criticism

Marit Stiles, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), expressed concern that the transition period between removing the cameras and implementing alternatives will put pedestrians and children at risk, saying:

“We can do a lot to calm speeds, but if one child is injured during this period, the responsibility will lie with this Prime Minister.”

For his part, John Fraser, leader of the Liberal caucus in parliament, considered the decision undermines public safety efforts and ignores scientific evidence, pointing out that studies issued by the province’s municipalities, SickKids Hospital in Toronto, and Toronto Metropolitan University confirm that cameras indeed contribute to reducing speeds and accidents.

Fraser said:

“What Ford did today is ignore the advice of the police and doctors, and stand with those who vandalized the cameras in downtown Toronto.”

Background of the Decision

This move came after repeated incidents of removing or destroying automated speed cameras in Toronto during the past month, with 17 cameras cut down within two days. Ford’s government included the camera ban clause within the “Red Tape Reduction Bill,” which was passed quickly after limiting debates and bypassing public hearings, sparking widespread criticism from the opposition and civil society organizations.

Transportation experts believe that removing cameras before implementing effective alternatives may temporarily increase accident rates, especially in school zones and densely populated urban communities, emphasizing that rushing the decision without a clear plan for alternatives carries real risks to public safety.