Ottawa's Speed Camera Riddle: Drivers Slow Down, Then Zoom Off – Is Road Safety a Game?

It's a familiar sight on Ottawa's roads: the tell-tale flash of an automated speed enforcement (ASE) camera, followed by a collective tap on the brakes. But new data from the City of Ottawa reveals a fascinating and somewhat concerning trend: many drivers are merely playing a temporary game of cat-and-mouse, slowing down for the cameras only to hit the gas pedal moments after passing them.

This "rabbit effect," as it's sometimes called, highlights a persistent challenge in road safety.

While the cameras successfully reduce speeds in their immediate vicinity, their ability to instill lasting behavioural change remains a question. Take, for instance, the camera on Viewmount Drive. Within a mere 200 metres leading up to the device, the average speed plummeted significantly. Yet, in a swift turn, speeds soared by an average of 15 km/h just 100 metres beyond it.

This isn't an isolated incident; similar patterns have been observed on Wilbrod Street, Dinardo Avenue, and Lisa Avenue.

Sgt. Craig Birtch of Ottawa's Traffic Services acknowledges this phenomenon. "People slow down for the camera," he states, "but they don't necessarily internalize the message or the reason for the camera being there, and they speed up on the other side." The underlying goal of ASE cameras isn't just to issue tickets; it's to foster a consistent culture of safe driving, particularly in areas like school zones where vulnerable pedestrians are at risk.

The city's response to this ongoing challenge is to expand its enforcement reach.

With city council recently approving 20 new cameras, Ottawa is set to operate 60 ASE devices by the close of 2024. This expansion is not just about increasing coverage but also about sending a clearer, more pervasive message that speeding will not be tolerated. However, the data suggests that more cameras might mean more temporary slowdowns rather than a fundamental shift in driver mindset.

Financially, the cameras are a significant contributor to city coffers.

In 2023, automated speed enforcement generated over $11.5 million. Projections for 2024 anticipate this figure climbing to $16 million after operational costs. While this revenue is substantial, it flows into the city's general operating fund, rather than being earmarked directly for road safety initiatives.

This raises questions about whether the primary motivation is safety improvement or revenue generation, though city officials maintain the former.

Ultimately, the dynamic between drivers and speed cameras illustrates a kind of "gambler's mentality." Many motorists seem to weigh the risk of getting caught against the perceived reward of saving a few seconds.

Until that calculation shifts towards a greater emphasis on safety and adherence to speed limits regardless of immediate enforcement, Ottawa's roads will continue to witness this intriguing dance of brakes and accelerators around its growing network of automated eyes.