Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s administration has allocated $210 million for municipalities to deploy traffic-calming solutions as the prohibition on speed cameras is imminent. Despite initially criticizing speed cameras as a revenue-generating tactic, Ford’s government recently passed a ban on their usage starting this week.
While Ford asserted that speed cameras are ineffective in reducing speeding, research conducted by municipalities and Hospital for Sick Children experts suggests otherwise. Over 20 mayors had advocated for modifications to the program rather than its complete elimination, highlighting that the new approach will shift the burden of funding road safety measures from speeding drivers to all taxpayers.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced the establishment of a Road Safety Initiatives Fund, providing an immediate $42 million for initiatives like speed humps, raised crosswalks, roundabouts, enhanced signage, and heightened police presence in school and community zones previously monitored by speed cameras.
Sarkaria emphasized that the Road Safety Initiatives Fund aims to enhance road safety without increasing costs for drivers, ensuring that Ontario continues to maintain its reputation for having some of the safest roads in North America. Municipalities meeting the criteria can apply for the remaining $168 million early next year.
Ford’s opposition to speed cameras gained momentum following the removal of 17 automated speed cameras in Toronto within a span of two days. The ban on speed cameras was included in a regulatory reduction bill, which was expedited by the government, limiting discussions and bypassing public consultations.
