Battle Lines Drawn: The Fight Is On

This is a story like no other; you might even call it a “storm in a teacup.” However, others see it for what it is: a political battle royale. 

The conflict began when Premier Doug Ford opposed a law established by his own party in 2019 that granted municipalities the authority to install automated speed enforcement cameras. By 2025, Ford reversed his stance and announced plans to introduce legislation to ban all speed cameras by October, which is this month.

His reasoning: “At a time when governments at all levels should be doing everything they can to lower costs and make life more affordable, too many municipalities are using speed cameras as a cash grab.”

This has set the stage for a confrontation with those who argue that speed cameras actually save lives. Leading this charge is Brampton’s city council, headed by Councillor Rowena Santos, who has voted unanimously to continue the city’s Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program.

“I am deeply disappointed by the Premier’s decision. This program saves lives,” said Santos on Wednesday. “Like many other municipalities, Brampton has just finished installing new cameras and has made significant investments in this program, which has already reduced speeding, prevented collisions, and protected our most vulnerable residents. To dismantle it now undermines public safety and wastes taxpayer dollars.” She cited an official report that stated the average speed of a ticketed driver in Brampton is 15.7 km/h over the posted limit, arguing that this shows enforcement is “reasonable and aligned with best practices.”

What do the people most affected by this issue have to say?

Public opinion is divided. A Toronto-based media outlet recently conducted a survey, revealing that while 37% of respondents supported the cameras, 32% voted for their elimination.

Critics echo Premier Ford’s sentiments, describing the program as financially burdensome. “I have personally received over half a dozen of these tickets in the past six to nine months, and it’s nothing less than a gut punch,” said one Toronto driver. Catherine Murphy, a 67-year-old resident of Scarborough, emphasized that the issue is less about safety and more about affordability, stating that a $100 fine “is a week’s worth of groceries.”

Supporters of the program, however, are equally convinced of its merits and have backing from senior city officials and police chiefs. They argue that cameras save lives, citing a recent study that found speed cameras reduced the number of speeding vehicles by 45 percent in urban school zones.

Frequent drivers within the Greater Toronto Area also voiced support. “I have a history of speeding, but two speed camera tickets made me rethink my habits. Something switched in my head, and I started to ask myself, ‘Why are these cameras around?’” said one driver.

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has publicly supported the cameras, arguing that their presence not only reduces dangerous driving but also frees up officers for other priorities.

With such contrasting opinions and little clarity on which position is worth supporting, it is important to note that the decision regarding the cameras ultimately lies with the provincial government. Ontario’s Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria reinforced Premier Ford’s perspective, suggesting that rather than being ‘reactive’—charging drivers for speeding after the fact—cities should adopt ‘proactive’ measures. These could include extended curbs, speed bumps, rumble strips, and roundabouts.

In conclusion, this issue extends beyond mere traffic concerns; it has evolved into a political tug-of-war between the Premier and Mayor Olivia Chow, with Brampton’s city council now also taking a stand against the Premier.

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