Premier Doug Ford has delivered a blunt message to Ontario’s municipalities: the province is moving ahead with its plan to eliminate automated speed cameras, despite pushback from local leaders who say the devices improve road safety.
In a message sent to Ontario mayors on Tuesday, Ford reiterated his view that municipal speed camera programs are little more than “cash grabs” designed to pad city budgets. “Our government is banning this municipal cash grab once and for all,” Ford declared, making it clear there will be no reversal on the decision.
His comments were aimed directly at Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. Brown has pledged to continue the city’s speed camera program, while Meed Ward — speaking on behalf of Ontario’s Big City Mayors — had urged the province to preserve some aspects of the system. Ford’s response was unequivocal: “The answer is no.”
Municipalities have also asked the province to reimburse them for the costs of cameras already installed, but Ford rejected that request, arguing that cities have already earned “tens of millions of dollars” in fines. He pointed to figures showing that $52 million has been collected over the past four years from drivers in 37 municipalities where the cameras are operational, including Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton.
The devices have long divided public opinion. Critics see them as revenue generators rather than genuine safety tools, arguing that drivers are often fined for going only slightly over the speed limit. Speed cameras are also frequent targets of vandalism, with damaged or toppled units becoming a common sight.
Municipal leaders, however, say the technology works. Cities like Brampton argue that the cameras have slowed traffic in high-risk areas, particularly near schools and parks, helping to protect children and pedestrians.
Ford said the provincial government has its own vision for traffic safety, emphasizing physical infrastructure changes like more speed bumps, roundabouts and increased signage as alternatives to automated enforcement.
With the Premier’s firm stance, municipalities now face the challenge of adjusting their road safety strategies — and their budgets — as Ontario moves toward phasing out the controversial cameras.