A recent poll shows nearly 60% of Ontarians oppose expanding the use of automated speed enforcement cameras across the province.
These roadside devices, commonly seen in school and community safety zones, automatically capture license plates of drivers exceeding the speed limit and issue tickets by mail. While they’re designed to improve road safety, they’ve sparked sharp division among residents.
In some cities, including Mississauga and Toronto, the cameras have been the target of repeated vandalism. On Parkside Drive in Toronto, where a tragic double-fatal collision occurred, one camera has reportedly been removed six times.
In Brampton, resistance is growing. A petition launched last week to oppose the expansion of the camera program has already gathered more than 3,400 signatures. Many residents argue the devices create a sense of “constant surveillance.”
A new poll conducted by INsauga.com highlights this public sentiment. When asked, “Should there be more speed enforcement cameras on Ontario roads?”, 57.28% of the 6,324 respondents voted no. Only 42.72% supported the idea.
Despite the pushback, many municipalities stand by the program. Officials in Mississauga point to a noticeable reduction in speeding and aggressive driving since the cameras were installed. Niagara Region’s report reinforces this, stating that speed is a factor in one-third of all fatal collisions in Canada—and that driver behaviour improves when cameras are present.
The debate is far from over, but one thing is clear: the province remains divided on the role of technology in road safety.