Clash Over Road Safety: Ontario Police Chiefs Defy Ford's Push to Axe Speed Cameras

A significant clash is brewing at the heart of Ontario’s road safety strategy, pitting the province's top law enforcement officials against its political leadership. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) has issued a powerful call for the continuation and expansion of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras, directly challenging Premier Doug Ford’s well-known push to abolish them.

For the police chiefs, the message is crystal clear: speed cameras are not mere revenue generators, but indispensable instruments in the fight against dangerous driving.

They view these technological tools as a "valuable tool" essential for safeguarding the lives of pedestrians, cyclists, and especially children in vulnerable areas like community safety zones and school zones. The OACP is actively urging the province to not only maintain the current programs but to explore opportunities for their broader implementation, emphasizing their role in creating safer communities.

This firm stance stands in stark contrast to Premier Ford’s consistent narrative.

He has repeatedly characterized speed cameras as "cash grabs," arguing they do little to genuinely enhance road safety while primarily serving as a financial boon for municipalities. Ford’s outspoken criticism has led to a desire to "axe" these cameras, even suggesting a "wake-up call" for local governments that rely on them.

Yet, the evidence presented by proponents of ASE cameras tells a compelling story.

The Police Association of Ontario (PAO), representing frontline officers, points to tangible results. In areas where speed cameras have been deployed, statistics show a dramatic reduction in speeding, with some areas reporting a staggering 72 percent decrease. Moreover, collisions have seen a notable decline of 15 percent, underscoring the cameras' direct impact on accident prevention.

The sheer volume of enforcement also speaks volumes: Toronto alone issued 2.3 million charges via speed cameras between July 2020 and April 2024, highlighting the pervasive nature of speeding and the cameras' ability to address it.

The debate isn't just theoretical; it's deeply rooted in the daily realities of road users.

Road safety advocates, parents, and local communities frequently voice concerns about excessive speeding, particularly in residential areas and near schools. For them, speed cameras offer a tangible layer of protection, acting as a deterrent where human enforcement might be stretched thin.

As the provincial government grapples with its approach to traffic enforcement, the strong endorsement from the OACP places considerable pressure on Premier Ford.

The question remains: will the province heed the expert advice of its police chiefs, who are on the front lines of maintaining public safety, or will it prioritize a different vision for road enforcement? The outcome of this high-stakes debate will undoubtedly shape the future of road safety across Ontario, impacting every driver, pedestrian, and cyclist.