Ontario Premier Doug Ford has confirmed a province-wide ban on speed cameras, set to take effect next month, which has sparked robust discussion across municipalities and among road safety advocates. Framed by the government as a measure to protect drivers from a “cash grab,” municipalities will have to take down hundreds of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras and replace them with different traffic enforcement options. The legislation looks to make these changes quickly, with sealed cameras getting replaced with warning signs and new permanent signage by the end of 2026.
Background and Rationale
Doug Ford has attacked speed cameras as economically exploitative, driving revenue for municipalities from needy motorists. Ford’s government legalized municipal speed cameras in 2019 and has now pivoted to claiming safety measures like speed bumps, roundabouts, and high-visibility signs will be more effective and fairer. The province has promised a special fund for municipalities to make these changes and for road safety public education.
Municipal Reaction and Pushback
Several municipalities in Ontario, as well as the cities of Brampton and Toronto, have opposed the speed camera ban. Brampton city council recently voted to keep it Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program, as they saw the cameras reduce speeding and prevent collisions in school zones. Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto wants to improve camera visibility and signage and encourage provincial leaders to lift the ban, citing public safety studies and the will of the citizens in the region to endorse more speed enforcement cameras.
Impact on Road Safety Strategies
Cities, such as Ottawa and Waterloo, are now having to rethink and, in some cases, suspend their planned expansions to the speed camera program. Ottawa’s safety plan which, until now, depended on ASE to control high-risk drivers, will now take the uncertainty of not having the recently installed cameras activated. Municipal reports have documented ASE not only reduced speeding incidents within months of installation, but also lowered extreme anti-speeding behavior while consistently improving compliance with the speed limit in school zones and near school.
Future of Traffic Enforcement
If the ban goes into effect, municipalities will need to change their existing speed cameras into warning sign speed cameras, and by September of 2026, municipalities will need to implement large, permanent, flashing-light signs. The change will happen with the municipalities receiving funding for traffic calming infrastructure. Local leaders, however, are concerned about unsustainable traffic calming signs, revenue loss, and the enforcement gap. They claim that ASE programs are essential to pedestrian and vulnerable road user safety.
Public Opinion and Controversy
Public opinion and government policy do not align, with many people and survey respondents championing speed cameras, especially in places like school zones. People are concerned there has been too much investment in ASE, and that programs which save lives are intended to be dismantled. As the ban moves forward, municipalities and advocacy groups will continue to lobby for reverse, which will be supported by data, the gap on funding, and the demand for policy that can stand on evidence.
Form Data Table
| Item | Data |
|---|---|
| Ban takes effect | November 2025 |
| Cameras affected | 700+ |
| Municipalities | 40+ |
| Mayors opposing | 20+ |
FAQs
Q1: When does the Ontario speed camera ban officially start?
November 2025.
Q2: Will existing speed cameras be replaced?
Yes, existing cameras will NEED to be replaced with warning and flashing-light signs by 2026.
Q3: What other measures will cities use to enforce speed limits?
These measures could include rounded speed control barriers, speed control flashing signs, police predictably monitoring and recording traffic speeds, and other measures geared to enhance police enforcement.
