Earlier this year, residents of Vaughan expressed frustration over newly installed speed cameras, leading to significant backlash. Shortly after the installation of 10 cameras in the spring, one was even vandalized. Anticipating potential complaints, Vaughan Councillor Gila Martow had proposed revisions to the speed camera system to make it less punitive. However, her suggestions did not receive support from the rest of the council. After receiving numerous complaints, the council decided to pause the issuance of fines until this fall, when they plan to reassess the situation.

Mayor Steven Del Duca, Councillor Martow, and other council members responded to the concerns of their constituents rather than dismissing them. This approach contrasts with the situation in Toronto, where speed cameras have become a contentious issue. Recently, 16 speed cameras in Toronto were vandalized, indicating a growing public discontent. Initially, a single camera on Parkside Drive was targeted, but the vandalism has since spread across the city.

The ongoing vandalism raises concerns about the public's relationship with city property. Critics argue that continually replacing these cameras is not a sustainable solution. Instead, they suggest that Toronto has an opportunity to reconsider its approach to speed enforcement. The Parkside Drive camera alone has issued 67,800 tickets, generating $7.2 million in fines since its installation in 2021, averaging nearly $2 million in revenue per year.

Some local safety advocates argue against the cameras, claiming they serve as a pretext for the city to assert it is addressing reckless driving. They advocate for a stronger police presence to facilitate more meaningful interventions. Traffic congestion in Toronto has worsened, leading to riskier driving behaviors among residents. Critics contend that penalizing drivers for minor infractions, such as going 42 km/h in low-traffic areas, is overly punitive.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has voiced support for removing speed cameras, labeling them as a tax grab. He stated, "They should take out those cameras, all of them," following the recent vandalism incidents. A spokesperson for Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sakaria indicated that the government is exploring alternatives to enhance traffic safety without relying on automatic speed cameras.

Critics believe Toronto could have implemented a more balanced strategy by placing cameras near schools and limiting fines to times when crossing guards are present. However, the city has opted for 24/7 enforcement at all camera locations, which some view as excessive. If Toronto's council resists changes, they may face intervention from the provincial government, which could lead to the removal of speed cameras altogether.