Calling municipal speed cameras a “cash grab,” Ontario premier Doug Ford announced that his government will introduce legislation next month that will ban their use across the province.
The premier said the move aims to protect taxpayers and drivers and stop them from being gouged. “Instead of punishing people retroactively with speeding tickets days or weeks after the fact, we’re supporting practical, proactive traffic calming measures that stop people from speeding in the first place,” he said during a news conference in Vaughan, Ont.
To improve road safety, the province will instead establish a new provincial fund to help affected municipalities implement alternative safety measures, including proactive traffic-calming initiatives like speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks and curb extensions, as well as public education and improved signage to slow down drivers.
Ford said that people are fed up with getting tickets for driving 5-6 km/h over the limit. Reiterating that speed cameras do not work, the premier said that speed bumps, roundabouts and flashing signs cause motorists to slow down.
Since 2019, more than 700 municipal speed cameras have been installed in 40 municipalities across Ontario, with more currently planned for installation in the coming months.
“Municipal speed cameras have become nothing more than a tool for raising revenue,” Prabmeet Sarkaria, minister of transportation, said.
Signs with flashing lights
If passed, this legislation will prevent the use of municipal speed cameras in Ontario immediately upon Royal Assent. The province will also introduce requirements for municipalities with existing speed cameras in school zones to install large new signs to slow down drivers by mid-November 2025, with permanent, large signs with flashing lights to be in place by September 2026.
Municipalities will also be encouraged to implement alternative traffic-calming measures, as well as enhanced signage and education and awareness campaigns.
Ford said that for 25 years Ontario has ranked among the top five jurisdictions in North America for road safety. He added that the government would keep investing in roads and infrastructure while protecting streets and communities.
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