Ford Threatens to Remove Speed Cameras If Municipalities Don’t Act

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has indicated a strong position against speed cameras in municipalities, warning that he will take action if they do not remove them swiftly. Speaking at a Toronto Region Board of Trade event on March 5, 2024, Ford expressed his belief that these cameras serve primarily as a means of revenue generation rather than public safety.

Ford stated, “They should take out those cameras, all of them. This is nothing but a tax grab.” His comments come amid a series of incidents involving vandalism of speed cameras across Toronto, with three devices reportedly cut down in the past week alone. Notably, a speed camera on Parkside Drive has been targeted multiple times, suffering damage for the seventh time in less than a year.

Images from CP24 on Tuesday morning revealed that additional speed cameras in Toronto’s east end had also been vandalized. One camera was located near Coxwell Avenue and O’Connor Drive, while another was situated on Lake Shore Boulevard, between Woodbine and Coxwell avenues.

Ford criticized the placement of these cameras, questioning their effectiveness in promoting safety. “I’ve driven by speed traps not even close to school areas,” he remarked. “To put this photo radar, and some people driving through a neighbourhood and they are five, 10 kilometres over, they are getting nailed, it’s not fair.” He indicated that he stands firmly against the use of photo radar for traffic enforcement.

In light of public discontent, Ford pointed to Vaughan Mayor Stephen Del Duca as an example of leadership, highlighting Del Duca’s decision to eliminate the city’s speed camera program following community backlash. “Hopefully the cities will get rid of them… or I’m going to help them get rid of them very shortly,” Ford stated.

When questioned about the potential public safety benefits of speed cameras, Ford suggested alternative approaches to traffic enforcement. “I’m all about public safety. I’m against taxing the death out of people,” he asserted. He proposed measures such as installing flashing signs to remind drivers to slow down or deploying officers with radar guns in areas known for speeding.

Ford’s stance reflects a broader debate regarding the use of automated traffic enforcement systems, with implications for municipal revenue and road safety. As municipalities weigh public opinion against traffic management strategies, the Premier’s warning has added urgency to discussions about the future of speed cameras in Ontario.

“Get rid of the speed cameras or I’m going to do it for them,” Ford concluded, underscoring his commitment to addressing what he perceives as an unfair taxation method on drivers.