Premier Doug Ford plans to ban municipal speed cameras, which he has criticized as a cash grab. Sources indicate that Ford's Progressive Conservative government will introduce legislation later this fall to outlaw these automated speed enforcement devices. A senior government official stated, "We’re looking at all options on how to slow down traffic without the use of speed cameras."

Ford has expressed his dissatisfaction with speed cameras, despite having allowed municipalities to install them to combat speeding in school zones. His opposition comes even as studies show these cameras effectively deter speeding near schools. In a recent statement, Ford mentioned that the provincial government would provide municipalities with funding for various traffic calming measures, including speed bumps and flashing signs, to help reduce speeds.

The premier has been in discussions with municipal leaders and plans to unveil the proposed changes soon. He has received support from some mayors, including Vaughan's Mayor Steven Del Duca, who has removed speed cameras in his city. Ford noted, "I’ve had many mayors tell me, ‘we know this is a tax grab ... but I need money for roads and so on and so forth.’ You can’t use people’s pocketbooks. We’re getting gouged with taxes all over the place. We’re facing tough times. The goal is to slow them down. We’re going to slow them down."

Sources revealed that the provincial government would provide additional funds for new signage and infrastructure to discourage speeding. However, the government will not cover the costs of removing the existing speed cameras, which will simply be deactivated. This means that a future administration could potentially reinstate the cameras, which have been operational in Toronto since 2022.

Red-light cameras at major intersections will continue to function. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police recently stated that speed cameras have been shown to reduce speeding and improve road safety for all users, particularly vulnerable groups like children. They emphasized that these devices are especially important in school zones and community safety areas.

Research from the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Metropolitan University found that speed cameras reduced the number of speeding vehicles by 45% in school zones. A study covering 250 locations in Toronto from July 2020 to December 2022 indicated that speeds decreased by an average of 10.7 km/h in areas with speed cameras. Dr. Andrew Howard, head of orthopedic surgery at SickKids, highlighted that speed is a critical factor in pedestrian injury risk.

Despite the support for speed cameras, they have faced backlash in some areas. A recent survey by the Canadian Automobile Association found that nearly 75% of Ontario drivers support speed cameras for enhancing road safety. However, some cameras have been vandalized, including one on Parkside Drive, which was cut down seven times in the past 11 months. Ford condemned the vandalism but acknowledged the public's frustration with the cameras, stating, "I do not condone any vandalism of any kind. That should never, ever happen. But it just shows you how frustrated people are."

Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto has defended the speed camera program, advocating for measures to make it fairer, such as notifying drivers of their first offense before imposing multiple fines. Chow's spokesperson noted that the office would wait for the province's legislation before commenting further, emphasizing the importance of speed cameras in preventing accidents and keeping the community safe.