Ontario Premier Ford plans ban on municipal speed cameras over revenue concerns

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to ban municipal automated speed enforcement cameras, describing them as ineffective for traffic safety and a "tax grab" by local municipalities. The legislation is expected to be introduced next month and would immediately end the use of these cameras upon Royal Assent. Ford criticized the cameras for generating revenue rather than reducing speeding, despite their use in many municipalities and significant fines issued, such as one camera in Toronto that generated over C$7 million in fines. Instead, the government plans to establish a provincial fund to support alternative road safety measures like speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, improved signage, and public education campaigns. The move has sparked criticism from police and road safety advocates who say the cameras effectively reduce speeding and save lives, while some municipalities welcome the new funding for alternative safety initiatives. Ontario's plan includes requirements for municipalities with existing speed cameras to install large new signs in school zones to enhance driver awareness by late 2026.