Ontario Plans Ban of Over 700 Municipal Speed Cameras, Introduces Safety Fund

The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, plans to introduce legislation to ban municipal automated speed enforcement cameras across the province, citing concerns that these cameras have become a revenue-generating tool rather than a safety measure. Since 2019, over 700 such cameras have been installed in 40 municipalities, with more planned. To replace the cameras, the government will create a provincial fund to help municipalities implement alternative traffic calming measures like speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, improved signage, and public education campaigns. The legislation aims to immediately cease the use of speed cameras upon Royal Assent and requires municipalities with existing school-zone cameras to install large new warning signs by mid-November 2025, with permanent flashing-light signs by September 2026. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria emphasized that the government’s focus is on genuine safety measures to maintain Ontario’s status as one of North America's safest jurisdictions. The move has faced opposition from police chiefs but reflects the government's intent to prioritize preventative safety measures over revenue generation from traffic enforcement.