Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government has allocated $210 million for municipalities to introduce traffic-calming strategies as the prohibition on speed cameras is about to be implemented. Ford strongly criticized speed cameras, referring to them as a “cash grab” due to the revenue they generate for municipalities. His government recently passed a ban on speed cameras, effective from Friday.
Despite Ford’s claims that speed cameras are ineffective in reducing speeding, evidence from municipalities and researchers at the Hospital for Sick Children suggests otherwise. Over 20 mayors had urged Ford to modify the program instead of completely eliminating it. They highlighted that the elimination of speed cameras would shift the funding for road safety measures in their communities from law-breaking drivers to all taxpayers.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria announced the establishment of a new Road Safety Initiatives Fund, providing an initial $42 million for initiatives like speed bumps, raised crosswalks, roundabouts, new signage, and enhanced police enforcement in school and community zones previously monitored by speed cameras. Sarkaria emphasized that the fund aims to maintain Ontario’s excellent road safety record by supporting municipalities in implementing effective traffic-calming measures without increasing costs for drivers.
Municipalities meeting the criteria will have the opportunity to apply for the remaining $168 million in funding in early 2026. Ford’s opposition to speed cameras intensified following the removal of 17 automated speed cameras in Toronto within two days. The ban on speed cameras was included in a bill aimed at reducing red tape, which the government expedited, curtailing discussions and bypassing public hearings.
