Drivers in Ontario might soon see the end of automated speed cameras — and a big shift in how road safety is handled. Premier Doug Ford says the provincial government plans to introduce legislation next month that would ban the use of municipal speed cameras across Ontario, putting a stop to what he calls a "cash grab" by local governments.
According to an announcement from the Office of the Premier on Thursday, the ban, if passed, would kick in as soon as the bill receives Royal Assent.
The goal is to cut down on what Ford views as unfair ticketing systems while still keeping streets safe.
Instead of cameras, Ontario will create a new fund to help cities pay for traffic-calming features like speed bumps, roundabouts, curb extensions and raised crosswalks. The fund would also support public education and better signage to help slow drivers down — especially in school zones.
"Enough is enough," Ford said in the statement. "Instead of making life more expensive by sending speeding tickets to drivers weeks after the fact, we're supporting road-safety measures that will prevent speeding in the first place, keep costs down and keep our streets safe."
There are currently more than 700 speed cameras operating in 40 Ontario municipalities, and many more were set to be added soon. Ford's government says these devices have become more about generating revenue than protecting people.
"Too many municipalities are using speed cameras as a cash grab," Ford said in the Thursday statement.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria echoed that statement: "Municipal speed cameras have become nothing more than a tool for raising revenue," he said, adding that Ontario will continue working with cities to stay one of the safest driving jurisdictions in North America.
The province says it will also require municipalities that currently use speed cameras in school zones to install large new signs by mid-November — with permanent flashing-lit ones by next September — to encourage safer driving in those areas in lieu of speed cameras.
From Toronto to Vaughan to Waterloo, tens of thousands of tickets have been issued through these cameras in recent months, raising millions in fines. According to the province, a single municipal speed camera in the City of Toronto has issued more than 65,000 tickets, raking in nearly $7 million in revenue prior to 2025.
But that could all change very soon.
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Doug Ford promises to ban speed cameras in Ontario after a single one gave out $7M in fines
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