Brampton’s multi-million-dollar investment in automated speed enforcement (ASE) technology is under threat after Premier Doug Ford warned that municipalities must voluntarily remove photo radar cameras — or face a potential provincewide ban.
Ford made the comments on Sept. 9, calling photo radar “just a tax grab” and urging cities to take them down. “Hopefully, the cities will get rid of them … or I’m going to help them get rid of them very shortly,” Ford said.
The ultimatum has serious implications for Brampton, which has rolled out 185 cameras across the city and spent $46 million to open a state-of-the-art ticket-processing centre in 2024. The facility employs 42 staff, including 30 enforcement officers, and even processes tickets for the City of Brantford, helping to generate extra revenue.
Mayor Patrick Brown sought to reassure council and residents at a Sept. 10 meeting, describing his recent conversation with Ford as part of a “fluid discussion.” He said the premier’s concern lies with creating stronger safeguards for the program, not necessarily scrapping it altogether. “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Brown said, adding that he has been tasked with consulting other municipalities and bringing suggestions back before the legislature reconvenes.
The debate has sparked strong public reaction. A Change.org petition demanding the removal of Brampton’s cameras has gained over 7,500 signatures, arguing the fines hurt working families during an affordability crisis. A second petition in support of the cameras has received just 436 signatures.
Despite the political pressure, Brampton council appears committed to keeping the program running. ASE director Michael Kralt reported that the cameras have reduced average speeds by 13 to 26 km/h in study zones and boosted compliance by up to 85 per cent. A city survey found 86 per cent of respondents support ASE cameras in community safety zones.
Coun. Rowena Santos, chair of legislative services, reaffirmed council’s position in a Sept. 11 statement, saying the program will continue to grow: “With overwhelming community support, we will continue to strengthen this program because every resident deserves to feel safe on Brampton’s streets, at any time of day or night.”