Toronto started removing its 150 automated speed enforcement cameras on Friday after Premier Doug Ford’s government pushed through a provincial ban late last month. The cameras, which had been in operation across the city since April, were shut down and will soon be replaced by new signage alerting drivers to school zones, a city spokesperson confirmed.
The legislation banning the cameras was fast-tracked on Oct. 30, skipping public hearings and minimizing debate. Ford initially suggested he did not intend to eliminate the cameras, only to improve signage. But he has since argued that speed camera technology does not effectively curb speeding — an assertion contradicted by research. A joint study by Toronto Metropolitan University and The Hospital for Sick Children found that the cameras significantly reduced speeding in school zones, improving safety for children and other vulnerable road users. A CAA South Central Ontario survey also reported that drivers changed their behaviour by slowing down or avoiding camera locations.
Local opposition to the provincial ban has been strong. Mayor Olivia Chow supported continuing the city’s program, and several councillors warned that removing the cameras would put children at greater risk. “If you’re going to take away the cameras, you’re endangering the life of children,” councillor Mike Colle said during a September committee meeting, noting that most cameras were placed around schools.
Nearly 30 Ontario mayors also sent an open letter urging Ford to improve — not dismantle — the program. They argued that banning automated speed enforcement would undo years of safety progress in school zones.
Previously, provincial rules only allowed speed cameras in school zones and community safety areas where limits were below 80 km/h. With the ban now in force, the province has announced $210 million for alternative traffic calming measures. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said $42 million will be used immediately in former speed camera locations to install raised crosswalks, speed bumps, roundabouts, and other measures. The remaining $168 million will be available for municipalities to apply for additional road safety improvements.
As Toronto begins physically removing the cameras, many city leaders continue to warn that the province’s decision could leave the most vulnerable road users — especially schoolchildren — less protected.