Vaughan Mayor Scraps Speed Cameras, Calls Them “Tax Grab”

BREAKING: Vaughan, Ontario’s Mayor Steven Del Duca has just announced the immediate removal of the city’s automated speed cameras, a decision that echoes the sentiments expressed by Premier Doug Ford. In an emergency council meeting held last week, Del Duca responded to Ford’s claims that the cameras are merely a “tax grab,” revealing a significant shift in local traffic enforcement policy.

Del Duca, who previously championed the installation of these cameras under the Safer School Zones Act in 2017, stated, “I listened, we listened, we heard from you loud and clear.” This decision comes at a time when many residents are grappling with affordability challenges, prompting a dramatic policy reversal that questions the efficacy of automated speed enforcement in promoting public safety.

The urgency behind this move stems from Ford’s vocal opposition to speed cameras, labeling them ineffective in their primary goal of slowing down traffic. On September 9, 2023, Ford stated, “It’s just a tax grab, and they should take out those cameras, all of them.” His criticism has resonated with constituents, leading to a backlash against the camera program and its financial implications for local drivers.

Del Duca’s council motion to decommission the cameras was swiftly approved, marking a stark contrast to his prior support for the program. He previously hailed the initiative as a necessary step towards enhancing road safety, particularly for vulnerable users such as children. “This new legislation will help protect our most vulnerable road users and ensure Ontario’s roads stay among the safest in North America,” Del Duca had said in 2017.

However, the political landscape shifted dramatically after the 2018 election, when Ford’s government took over. Regulations that allowed cities to utilize speed cameras were implemented, but Del Duca now claims that the financial burden placed on residents during current economic hardships necessitated this urgent action. He emphasized, “The safety and well-being of all residents remains a top priority for the City of Vaughan, and for me as Mayor.”

Despite his rapid reversal, Ford praised Del Duca for the decision, stating, “I’m proud of Mayor Del Duca. There are so many ways to reduce and slow down traffic other than gouging people when they go three kilometres over the speed limit.” The Premier’s support indicates a potential shift in policy direction at the provincial level as well.

As this story develops, the implications for road safety and local governance in Vaughan will be closely monitored. The decision to dismantle the speed camera program is expected to spark further debate over traffic enforcement methods and their effectiveness in ensuring public safety without imposing financial strain on residents.

Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as the situation evolves. The future of traffic enforcement in Vaughan is now uncertain, and residents will be watching closely to see what comes next.