Signs reading “Municipal Speed Camera – Coming Soon” are now posted at 24 sites across Ottawa. City officials plan to set up new photo radar cameras at these locations before the end of fall. CTV News Ottawa
called them “nothing but a tax grab” and warned cities he would act if they didn’t.
The City of Ottawa currently has 60 speed cameras in school zones, safety areas and high-speed corridors. It plans to add 24 more by year’s end. Between January and July, those cameras issued more than 190,000 speeding tickets.
Mayor defends program
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe responded on social media. He said reducing speeding is a top concern for Ottawa residents.
“Automated speed enforcement has proven effective when used appropriately,” Sutcliffe said. “Results show it reduces speeding, and it allows police to focus on other priorities.”
He added that the city is “open to ideas” and looks forward to working with the province to improve road safety.
Provincial threat
Ontario’s government introduced legislation in 2017 allowing cities to install cameras in safety and school zones. The law requires signs warning drivers of their presence.
Ford said on Tuesday that municipalities should “take out those cameras, all of them.” He pointed to Vaughan, which scrapped its program, as an example.
Late Tuesday, the province raised the stakes. A government spokesperson said it would help remove the cameras this fall if cities refuse. “We are exploring alternative tools to enhance traffic safety without these cash grabs,” the statement said.
Vandalism and backlash
Toronto police are investigating after vandals cut down 16 cameras overnight. There have been more than 800 cases of vandalism against speed cameras in Toronto this year.
Ford said he is “dead against” the cameras and hopes cities follow his call.
Ottawa’s expansion plan
Despite the pushback, Ottawa plans to grow its program. Signs reading “Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon” are already in place at 24 sites. Council approved adding 15 to 20 new cameras each year from 2022 to 2026.
Locations for the new cameras include Bank Street, Fisher Avenue, McArthur Avenue, Meadowlands Drive, and several roads in Manotick, Richmond, Dunrobin, and Bayshore.
Impact on drivers
City data shows driver compliance with speed limits improves significantly where cameras operate. Speed compliance rose to 57 per cent within three months of installation, and 69 per cent after a year.
Revenue collected funds Ottawa’s Road Safety Action Plan, which uses education, engineering and enforcement to protect drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
