Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced his intention to eliminate automated speed cameras in municipalities across the province. His comments come in response to a recent surge in vandalism, with 17 speed cameras reportedly damaged in Toronto over the past few days. This incident is part of a larger trend, as the city has recorded 800 acts of vandalism against speed cameras this year alone.

Ford criticized the cameras, labeling them as a mere cash grab for cities. He suggested that there are more effective methods to reduce speeding, particularly in school zones. "If you want to slow down traffic at school, you put the big huge signs, big flashing lights, ‘Crossing Area,’" he stated after a speech on Tuesday.

The automated speed cameras have generated significant revenue for the city, with Toronto issuing approximately $40 million in fines from these cameras in 2024. This year, the total has already surpassed $45 million. The city first requested the use of speed cameras in 2016, and subsequent changes to the Highway Traffic Act allowed their implementation in school and community zones.

Currently, Toronto operates 150 automated speed cameras, which city officials argue are essential for maintaining road safety. Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized the importance of these cameras, stating, "Cutting down speed cameras is not a joke. It’s a criminal offense. … I expect the police to do what they can to bring the criminals to justice."

In contrast, Ford expressed his disapproval of the cameras' effectiveness, suggesting that cities should follow the example of Vaughan's Mayor Steven Del Duca, who has already removed them.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford's remarks, calling them "idiotic" and underscoring the cameras' role in ensuring road safety. "I think that if you’re speeding, you should stop speeding, because kids are going to get killed and pedestrians get killed, and nobody, nobody wants to hurt anyone," she said.

As the debate continues, the future of automated speed cameras in Ontario remains uncertain.