BRAMPTON, ON — Brampton City Council has voted unanimously to continue its automated speed enforcement (ASE) program, setting up a direct clash with Premier Doug Ford’s plan to eliminate speed cameras across Ontario.
The motion, tabled by Councillor Rowena Santos, received support from all councillors and comes just one week after the Premier announced legislation that would force municipalities to remove more than 700 ASE cameras currently operating in 40 jurisdictions.
Councillor Santos voiced strong opposition to Ford’s move, emphasizing that Brampton’s ASE program has already demonstrated measurable success.
“I am deeply disappointed by the Premier’s decision. This program saves lives,” Santos said. “Like many other municipalities, Brampton has just completed installing new cameras and has made significant investments in this program, which has already reduced speeding, prevented collisions, and protected our most vulnerable residents. To dismantle it now undermines public safety and wastes taxpayer dollars.”
Santos also stressed the program’s fairness and transparency.
“Brampton’s program is not a cash grab. It is designed to protect children and families in our community. We publish every location, we provide 90-day advance signage, and ticketing thresholds are based on expert consultation. The data shows it works, and we must not walk away from what is saving lives,” she added.
Mayor Patrick Brown echoed Santos’ concerns and reinforced the city’s united position.
“The tragedy of all this is it’s working,” said Mayor Brown. “We have seen measurable reductions in speed and fewer dangerous collisions in our school zones. Logic and safety are on the side of our arguments. If the province moves ahead with this ban, we expect them to reimburse Brampton taxpayers for the millions we’ve already invested in this program.”
Brown also called for collaboration with other municipalities.
“Ontario’s Big City Mayors are united in urging the Premier to reconsider. This is about the safety of children walking to school and seniors crossing the street. We need a provincial partner that prioritizes public safety over politics,” he said.
The approved motion ensures that all revenue generated through ASE is reinvested directly into road safety initiatives. Reports show ASE locations in Brampton have seen speed reductions averaging 9.33 km/h, with some areas experiencing decreases of more than 20 km/h.
Despite Ford labelling the devices a “cash grab,” Brampton joins Toronto and other municipalities in vowing to defend the use of speed cameras. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has also urged residents to pressure their MPPs, repeating her message that “speed kills.”
Brampton leaders say their stance is clear: safety must come first.