Ontario Police Chiefs Support Speed Cameras Despite Ford’s Claims

Police chiefs in Ontario are standing against Premier Doug Ford’s initiative to eliminate automated speed cameras, arguing that these cameras have effectively decreased dangerous speeding in various communities.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police expressed their backing for the cameras that Premier Ford has labeled a “tax grab,” insisting they have been “proven to reduce speeding.”

Earlier this month, Ford launched a campaign urging local municipalities to take down automated speed cameras from their roads, claiming they do not enhance safety and primarily serve to generate revenue for city halls.

“It’s just a tax grab, and they should take out those cameras, all of them,” he stated on September 9. “If you want to slow down traffic in school zones, you put up big signs with flashing lights and crossing areas; people will slow down. This is nothing but a tax grab.”

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2:11 Doug Ford doubles down on scrapping speed cameras after police association pushes back

A study conducted in July by Sick Kids and Toronto Metropolitan University revealed that speed cameras led to a 45 percent reduction in speeding within Toronto. However, on Tuesday, Ford dismissed the notion that these devices improve road safety.

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“The only thing proven is that they take money out of taxpayers’ pockets,” the premier asserted.

The leaders of Ontario’s law enforcement agencies disagree and are urging municipal and provincial officials to utilize the cameras wisely for safer roads.

“These tools are particularly used in school zones and community safety areas where reducing speed saves lives and prevents serious injuries,” the police chiefs noted.

“Ontario’s police leaders see ASE not as a way to generate revenue but as an essential traffic safety measure. Its goal is deterrence and prevention – helping modify driver behavior while reducing collisions. By complementing traditional policing efforts, ASE also allows officers to focus on other urgent public safety concerns.”

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The support from Ontario’s police chiefs came after a similar letter from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario urged Ford by highlighting real evidence that backs up improved road safety due to these cameras.

“The evidence shows that if (automated speed enforcement) cameras are taken away, speeds will rise in community safety zones putting more pedestrians at risk,” association president Robin Jones mentioned in her letter.

“Instead, we strongly recommend collaborating with municipalities so we can have the necessary tools for ensuring road safety.”

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The impact of this latest appeal remains uncertain regarding whether it will change the premier’s mind. Ford has made it clear he plans to proceed with eliminating the cameras – possibly introducing legislation mandating municipalities remove them.

An Ontario city has already indicated its willingness by completely disbanding its program altogether.

This week, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca called an emergency council meeting aimed at dismantling his city’s speed camera program which received commendation from Premier Ford.

“I’m proud of Mayor Del Duca and I’ll be making an announcement with Mayor Del Duca,” he stated without revealing any details about what would be announced.

“There are many ways to decrease traffic speeds (other than) penalizing people for going three kilometers over the limit. It’s unfortunate some mayors have chosen this route but we’ll collaborate with them moving forward.”

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– with files from The Canadian Press

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