The City of Vaughan has officially stopped using automated speed enforcement cameras as Ontario’s premier calls on municipalities with such systems to end what he describes as a “tax grab.”
On Monday, Vaughan councillors backed a motion presented by Mayor Stephen Del Duca to cease the operation of its speed cameras, which were introduced in April. However, the speed cameras operated by York Region are still functioning in the city, though council plans to request that the regional government halt their use on Vaughan’s roads.
Vaughan had paused its speed camera program in June after issuing 32,000 speeding tickets within just three weeks earlier this year. Del Duca proposed that pause until September while the council awaited a report on how to improve signage indicating camera locations.
Del Duca remarked in a statement on Monday that Vaughan must “strike the right balance” between protecting residents and avoiding an “unfair financial burden” during uncertain economic times.
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He noted that with the speed cameras, it was “clear the balance tips too heavily” toward 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 mentioned his motion included suggestions for additional traffic-calming measures for consideration during the city’s 2026 budget process.
This month coincidentally saw 16 speed cameras removed in Toronto while Premier Doug Ford called for municipalities to eliminate them completely – warning he would enforce compliance if necessary.
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Ford expressed his pride in 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 shared without giving details about what that announcement might entail.
“There are plenty of ways to reduce traffic speeds (other than) gouging people when they go three kilometres over the limit. It’s unfortunate some mayors chose this route, but we’ll collaborate with them.”
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario informed Ford through a letter that there’s substantial evidence showing these cameras enhance road safety; for instance, a July study from Sick Kids and Toronto Metropolitan University indicated they decreased speeding by 45 percent in 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 wrote in the letter.
“Instead, we strongly recommend that you work with municipalities to ensure we have the tools we need to ensure road safety.”
This year alone, Toronto issued about $40 million worth of fines from automated speed cameras last year; already this year, they’ve collected over $45 million according to information shared by a city spokesperson last week.
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The investigation into recent camera vandalism is ongoing as Toronto police released blurry images showing two individuals apparently dismantling one camera located on Parkside Drive which has been targeted seven times already.
– with files from Isaac Callan and Colin D’Mello
© 2025 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won’t miss a trending story. “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 mentioned his motion included suggestions for additional traffic-calming measures for consideration during the city’s 2026 budget process.
This month coincidentally saw 16 speed cameras removed in Toronto while Premier Doug Ford called for municipalities to eliminate them completely – warning he would enforce compliance if necessary.
Story continues below
Ford expressed his pride in Vaughan’s decision on Tuesday.
More on Politics More videos
“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 shared without giving details about what that announcement might entail.
“There are plenty of ways to reduce traffic speeds (other than) gouging people when they go three kilometres over the limit. It’s unfortunate some mayors chose this route, but we’ll collaborate with them.”
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario informed Ford through a letter that there’s substantial evidence showing these cameras enhance road safety; for instance, a July study from Sick Kids and Toronto Metropolitan University indicated they decreased speeding by 45 percent in 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 wrote in the letter.
“Instead, we strongly recommend that you work with municipalities to ensure we have the tools we need to ensure road safety.”
This year alone, Toronto issued about $40 million worth of fines from automated speed cameras last year; already this year, they’ve collected over $45 million according to information shared by a city spokesperson last week.
Story continues below
The investigation into recent camera vandalism is ongoing as Toronto police released blurry images showing two individuals apparently dismantling one camera located on Parkside Drive which has been targeted seven times already.
– with files from Isaac Callan and Colin D’Mello
© 2025 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
