Parents Rally Against Ontario’s Proposed Speed Camera Ban

Several parent groups across Ontario are mobilizing against a proposed ban on speed cameras, coinciding with the return of Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to Queen’s Park for the new legislative session on March 4, 2024. The announcement of the bill, made earlier this month by Premier Doug Ford, aims to eliminate speed cameras, which he has criticized as a “cash grab” for municipalities. Ford argues that alternative measures, such as speed bumps and roundabouts, are sufficient to manage driver behavior.

Demonstrations are planned in cities including Toronto, Vaughan, Midland, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Ottawa. Activists held an initial protest in Toronto’s east end over the weekend, drawing attention to the concerns of parents regarding road safety for children. One of the rally organizers, Tom DeVito, a resident of Toronto’s Junction neighborhood, expressed his outrage over the proposed legislation, labeling it a “horrible piece of legislation.” DeVito highlighted the effectiveness of speed cameras in controlling dangerous driving near schools.

According to DeVito, the unexpected announcement left him and many in his community, which he describes as a “child superhighway,” feeling alarmed. With children regularly walking and biking in the area, DeVito’s worries about road safety resonate deeply. He emphasized, “When an announcement comes out of the blue that a very effective tool that’s used to control very dangerous driving behaviour near schools is going to be dismantled, it shocked me to my core.”

DeVito’s concerns are backed by wider statistics. Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children in Canada, a fact that amplifies the urgency surrounding this issue. He argues that removing speed cameras, which have proven to enhance safety, does not align with the goal of protecting children.

Community and Political Response

DeVito is not alone in his advocacy. Mayors from over 20 municipalities, alongside various school boards, have joined the call for the provincial government to reconsider the ban. They advocate for refining the existing program rather than scrapping it entirely, asserting that the technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding children.

Data supports their claims. Research from multiple municipalities reveals that speed cameras significantly reduce traffic speeds. A study conducted by the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Metropolitan University found that speed cameras reduced speeding by an impressive 45% in Toronto alone. Such figures underscore the effectiveness of speed cameras as a tool for enhancing road safety.

DeVito likened the situation to a carpenter discarding a vital tool. He stated, “Roundabouts, speed bumps, all of those things are great. It does not justify taking another effective tool out of your toolkit.” He urged that eliminating speed cameras would undermine the safety measures available to protect children from dangerous driving behaviors.

As the legislative session unfolds, the outcome of the proposed ban remains uncertain. The collective voice of concerned parents and local leaders may influence the government’s approach to road safety and the use of technology in managing traffic. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader debate on balancing technological solutions with traditional safety measures in maintaining safer roads for all.