Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Thursday that his government will introduce legislation to ban speed cameras across the province. Speaking at a press conference in Vaughan, Ford criticized the cameras as an ineffective "cash grab" for municipalities. He stated, "Over the last few years, we've seen municipalities across the province use municipal speed cameras as nothing more than a cash grab."

Ford argued that speed cameras do not effectively reduce speeding. Instead, he proposed that the province will create a new fund to support municipalities in implementing alternative traffic-calming measures. These measures may include speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions.

The announcement comes amid opposition from police forces and municipalities that assert speed cameras are effective in reducing speed and enhancing road safety. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, along with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Toronto's mayor, have expressed their support for the use of speed cameras. They argue that automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras have been shown to decrease speeding and improve safety for all road users, particularly vulnerable groups like children.

A recent study from The Hospital for Sick Children indicated that ASE cameras reduced speeding around schools in Toronto by nearly 50%. In light of Ford's announcement, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow plans to introduce recommendations to strengthen the city's ASE program. Her motion will request the province to provide data and rationale for the removal of these cameras.

Ford's government has not always opposed speed cameras. The initiative began in Toronto in 2016, and the Ford administration passed regulations in December 2019 that allowed municipalities to implement such programs. However, the premier has recently shifted his stance, suggesting that municipalities should focus on other traffic safety measures instead of relying on speed cameras.

The planned ban has drawn criticism from Toronto city councillors. Councillor Alejandra Bravo stated, "We deserve to have protection. Who's got our back? Who's got the backs of our children? It's deplorable." Councillor Shelley Carroll added, "He's threatening to remove one of the most effective tools we have to prevent dangerous driving."

As the situation develops, the government has indicated that it will not cover the costs associated with removing the existing speed cameras in Ontario.