Based on coverage from Global and CTV.
Ontario's Speed Camera Legislation Sparks Debate
In a whirlwind legislative move, the Ford government has pushed through a bill that will see the removal of automated speed enforcement cameras across Ontario. The legislation, part of an omnibus red tape bill, is set to become law next Monday, with municipalities required to take down the cameras by November 14. This rapid change has stirred a mix of reactions from political leaders, municipalities, and the public.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced that the provincial government will provide temporary signage to replace the cameras and will eventually support infrastructure changes like speed bumps and roundabouts. However, these measures won't be in place by the time the cameras are removed, raising concerns about road safety, particularly around schools.
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Mixed Reactions from Political Leaders
The decision to remove speed cameras has been met with both support and criticism. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been vocal about his opposition to the devices, labeling them a "tax grab" and questioning their effectiveness. Ford argues that true traffic calming comes from physical infrastructure, not cameras. He claims that less than 10 percent of Ontario municipalities actually want the cameras, suggesting a preference for other traffic-calming measures.
However, not everyone is on board with this perspective. Critics, including Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, have expressed concerns about the potential safety risks. Stiles worries about the safety implications of removing the cameras without having alternative measures in place, while Schreiner insists that other traffic calming measures should be installed first.
Liberal MPP John Fraser also criticized the move, pointing to studies like the one from SickKids and Toronto Metropolitan University, which found that speed cameras reduced speeding by 45 percent in Toronto. Fraser argues that the cameras play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable road users like children and seniors.
Impact on Municipalities and Road Safety
The legislation effectively reverses a law introduced in 2017 by then-Ontario Liberal transportation minister Steven Del Duca, now the Mayor of Vaughan. Del Duca has welcomed the removal of speed cameras, aligning with Ford's stance. However, the swift implementation of the new law has left municipalities scrambling to adjust.
While Sarkaria assured that temporary signage would be installed before the cameras are removed, the absence of immediate physical traffic-calming measures like speed bumps and roundabouts has sparked concern. Critics argue that the interim period could pose safety risks, especially in school zones.
Despite the controversy, the government remains firm in its decision, emphasizing a shift towards infrastructure-based solutions for traffic calming. Sarkaria reiterated that the cameras have not been effective in stopping speeding, as tickets are issued weeks after the offense.
As the November 14 deadline approaches, municipalities will need to navigate the transition while balancing safety concerns and the provincial government's directives. The debate over the best approach to traffic enforcement and road safety in Ontario is far from over, with both sides holding firm to their positions.
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