The City of Vaughan has officially decided to stop using automated speed enforcement cameras as Ontario’s premier calls on municipalities with these cameras to put an end to what he describes as a “tax grab.”
On Monday, Vaughan councillors supported a motion from Mayor Stephen Del Duca, which led to the discontinuation of the speed cameras that had been implemented in April. However, the York Region’s speed cameras are still active within the city, although council plans to ask the regional government to halt their usage on streets in Vaughan.
Vaughan had already paused its speed camera operations in June after issuing 32,000 speeding tickets in just three weeks earlier this year. Del Duca introduced the motion for a pause until September since council was expected to review ways to enhance signage about camera locations.
Del Duca mentioned in a statement on Monday that Vaughan needs to “strike the right balance” between safeguarding citizens and avoiding placing an “unfair financial burden” on residents during challenging economic times.
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He remarked that with the presence of speed cameras, it was “clear the balance tips too heavily” towards financial penalties.
“That is why I brought forward a motion to end the program, which was approved today by Council, and we will be asking York Region to consider suspending their Automated Speed Enforcement program on Regional roads in Vaughan,” Del Duca stated.
![Click to play video: 'Safety tool or cash grab? Toronto speed camera vandalism sparks debate']()
2:09 Safety tool or cash grab? Toronto speed camera vandalism sparks debate
He also included in his motion a request for exploring additional traffic-calming strategies as part of the city’s budget discussions for 2026.
This month saw 16 speed cameras removed in Toronto on the same day Premier Doug Ford urged municipalities everywhere to eliminate them entirely – warning he might force compliance if necessary.
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Ford expressed his pride regarding Vaughan’s decision on Tuesday.
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“It’s nothing but a tax grab. I’m proud of Mayor Del Duca and I’ll be making an announcement with Mayor Del Duca,” he said without providing further details about that announcement.
“There are so many ways we can decrease traffic speeds (other than) penalizing people for going just three kilometres over limit. It’s unfortunate some mayors have chosen this route; however we’ll collaborate with them.”
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The Association of Municipalities of Ontario wrote Ford saying there’s real evidence showing these cameras improve road safety. This includes research from Sick Kids and Toronto Metropolitan University conducted last July indicating they cut speeding by 45 percent across Toronto.
“The evidence shows that if (automated speed enforcement) cameras are removed, speeds will increase in community safety zones and more pedestrians will be at risk,” association president Robin Jones stated in his letter.
“Instead, we strongly recommend you collaborate with municipalities so we can have effective tools for ensuring road safety.”![]()
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Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. “I will continue to work with Council and staff to fight against reckless driving, reduce speeding and protect all road users and pedestrians.”
2:09 Safety tool or cash grab? Toronto speed camera vandalism sparks debate
He also included in his motion a request for exploring additional traffic-calming strategies as part of the city’s budget discussions for 2026.
This month saw 16 speed cameras removed in Toronto on the same day Premier Doug Ford urged municipalities everywhere to eliminate them entirely – warning he might force compliance if necessary.
Story continues below
Ford expressed his pride regarding Vaughan’s decision on Tuesday.
Traffic Updates
Read the full transcript of Carney’s speech at World Economic Forum
trump withdraws Carney’s invitation to ‘Board of Peace’
“It’s nothing but a tax grab. I’m proud of Mayor Del Duca and I’ll be making an announcement with Mayor Del Duca,” he said without providing further details about that announcement.
“There are so many ways we can decrease traffic speeds (other than) penalizing people for going just three kilometres over limit. It’s unfortunate some mayors have chosen this route; however we’ll collaborate with them.”
More on Politics More videos
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario wrote Ford saying there’s real evidence showing these cameras improve road safety. This includes research from Sick Kids and Toronto Metropolitan University conducted last July indicating they cut speeding by 45 percent across Toronto.
“The evidence shows that if (automated speed enforcement) cameras are removed, speeds will increase in community safety zones and more pedestrians will be at risk,” association president Robin Jones stated in his letter.
“Instead, we strongly recommend you collaborate with municipalities so we can have effective tools for ensuring road safety.”Toronto collected around $40 million through automated speed camera fines last year alone; this year so far has seen totals exceeding $45 million according city representatives who spoke with The Canadian Press last week.
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