Vaughan has decided to discontinue its automated speed camera program, a move that has not prompted other municipalities to follow suit. This decision has sparked a conflict between Premier Doug Ford, who opposes speed cameras, and mayors in Ontario who advocate for their use. On Monday, Vaughan's city council voted 7-3 to remove 10 speed cameras that were installed earlier this year to enhance road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Instead, the city plans to implement more speed humps and other traffic calming measures.

The speed cameras in Vaughan have been inactive since June, when the city suspended the program due to complaints from individuals who received some of the 32,000 speeding tickets issued in community safety zones. Premier Ford has criticized the cameras, labeling them as a "cash grab" and expressing his belief that streets can be kept safe without imposing additional costs on taxpayers. He praised Vaughan's decision on social media, stating, "Vaughan gets it."

Despite Vaughan's decision, many local leaders, including those in neighboring York Region, argue that speed cameras effectively reduce vehicle speeds and save lives. Newmarket Mayor John Taylor emphasized the success of speed cameras in his area, reporting a 74% reduction in speeding violations. "Speed cameras work, that debate has sailed — nobody, even the naysayers, are debating how effective it is," he said. Taylor noted that Newmarket serves as the processing center for automated enforcement tickets for 11 municipalities, and none of those mayors are considering eliminating speed cameras.

Taylor urged Ford to collaborate with mayors to address concerns about the program. He mentioned that Newmarket's software prevents drivers from receiving multiple tickets within a week, allowing them to adjust their behavior after the first ticket. "We’ll work with you and I’ll stand beside you on a set of reforms for the program," Taylor said. He warned that removing speed cameras could lead to tragic accidents, stating, "Somewhere a camera is removed we’ll see a tragic accident and ask ourselves ‘Why did we get rid of them when they were working?’"

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario, which represents 444 municipalities, has expressed strong support for the use of speed cameras. In a letter to Ford, they argued that speed cameras enhance road safety, are more cost-effective than police enforcement, generate revenue for community safety improvements, and enjoy support from nearly 75% of Ontarians when used in targeted areas.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow reiterated her support for speed cameras, citing a study from the Hospital for Sick Children that found a 45% reduction in speeding at camera locations. Chow stated, "Speed kills," and highlighted the increased survival chances for pedestrians struck by vehicles in areas with speed cameras. She mentioned ongoing discussions with Ford about improving signage to alert drivers to speed cameras and addressing complaints about ticketing practices.

Other mayors, including Mississauga's Carolyn Parrish and Hamilton's Andrea Horwath, have also voiced their support for speed cameras. Del Duca, the Vaughan mayor, expressed confidence in the decision to remove the cameras, stating that a majority of residents are satisfied with the council's choice. He believes that effective traffic safety measures can be implemented without speed cameras.

Ford's government initially allowed municipalities to use speed cameras in 2019, following a rise in pedestrian fatalities. However, recent comments from Ford's office indicate a potential shift in policy, with plans to explore alternatives to speed cameras. A spokesperson for Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated that the province is considering steps to assist municipalities in eliminating speed cameras, which they describe as a "cash grab."

As the debate continues, many mayors are awaiting the province's next move regarding speed camera regulations.