Mississauga — As the Ontario government considers a province-wide ban on automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish is urging provincial leaders to reconsider, arguing that the devices have saved lives and made school zones safer across the city.
In an October 23 letter to local MPPs, Mayor Parrish emphasized that Mississauga’s ASE program has been an effective road safety tool, reducing vehicle speeds by an average of 9 km/h since its launch. “When people slow down, the risk of serious injury and death drops significantly,” she wrote.
Parrish called on MPPs to advocate to Premier Doug Ford and the Minister of Transportation to preserve the program, suggesting “reasonable amendments” to address fairness concerns raised by the province. “We agree that every program should be reviewed to ensure it is working effectively,” she added.
Responding to Ford’s criticism that speed cameras are a “cash grab,” Parrish defended the city’s initiative as community-focused and safety-driven. “This program keeps speeds down in school zones, protects vulnerable people like children and older adults, and makes our communities safer,” she wrote. “Mississauga has been the gold standard for ASE implementation.”
A report presented to Mississauga City Council last week noted that from June 2021 to August 2025, the city issued 169,109 fines under the ASE program. The report concluded that the cameras have been an effective deterrent and have significantly improved safety in school zones.
At the close of her letter, Parrish reminded MPPs of the political implications of removing the program ahead of next year’s municipal elections. “If the proposed legislation banning speed cameras is passed, candidates will no longer be able to commit to one of the most effective road safety measures available,” she cautioned.
The Ontario government introduced the proposed legislation on October 20, which would eliminate ASE cameras across all municipalities. Instead, a provincial road safety fund would help cities install alternative measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions, along with public education initiatives.
Despite the province’s plans, Parrish and several Ontario municipalities continue to push back, arguing that speed cameras have been one of the most proven tools in preventing accidents and saving lives.