Vaughan City Council has voted to eliminate its speed camera program following a special meeting on Monday. The decision came after the council had previously paused the program in June. Mayor Steven Del Duca introduced the motion to remove the cameras entirely, which the council approved with a vote of 7-3.

Del Duca stated that residents expressed strong support for the goal of reducing speed on roads but felt the speed cameras were not a fair method to achieve that. He emphasized that the primary concern among residents is crime, noting that it is challenging to explain that while they could be penalized for speeding, more serious crimes are often overlooked. Del Duca also highlighted the financial burden on residents who received multiple speeding tickets, especially in the current economic climate.

"We really need to focus on letting our residents know that we have their back and that we are working for them," Del Duca said. "We aren’t going to go out on a limb to do something that really diminishes their trust and our ability to listen to them."

Earlier this year, Vaughan implemented ten speed cameras, which issued 32,000 tickets in the first three weeks. Following numerous complaints from residents, the council decided to pause the program and issue only warnings during the summer while staff prepared a report.

The issue gained attention after Ontario Premier Doug Ford publicly criticized speed cameras and mentioned Del Duca by name. "Hopefully the cities will get rid of them like Mayor Del Duca in Vaughan, or I’m going to help them get rid of them very shortly," Ford said.

Despite the council's decision, many residents voiced their support for the speed camera program during the meeting. However, the council had received a significant number of emails opposing the cameras. Some council members expressed concern about the meeting's organization, noting that the agenda was changed unexpectedly and lacked a formal report.

Councillor Marilyn Iafrate remarked, "It was out of nowhere. I can tell you everybody was quite surprised because, as of Friday night last week, they had an agenda but there was nothing about this on the agenda."

Iafrate, who has not received much criticism about the program, noted that other councillors faced numerous complaints. She supports the program, especially after a family in her ward was killed by a speeding driver in 2022.

Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca expressed her disappointment during the meeting, stating, "To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. This council is about to make a decision that I cannot support."

DeFrancesca, who has advocated for safer streets for 15 years, argued that the data shows the cameras are effective in changing driver behavior. She suggested waiting to see if Ford would alter the legislation regarding speed cameras.

While Vaughan's decision aligns with Ford's stance, it contrasts with other municipalities in Ontario that continue to implement speed camera programs. Cities like Brampton and Barrie plan to maintain their programs despite resident criticism. The Ontario Association of Municipalities has also expressed support for speed camera initiatives.