In a recent report, Toronto’s transportation staff indicated a significant rise in speeding since the removal of automated speed enforcement cameras. The average percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 11 km/h or more soared from 2% to 8.1% at sites where the cameras once operated. This analysis covers vehicle speeds before the cameras were taken down in November 2025, following the provincial government’s decision to eliminate them, which was criticized as a “cash grab.” Mayor Olivia Chow has called for the reinstatement of speed cameras, emphasizing the need for data-driven measures to enhance road safety. The report also highlighted that the most substantial increases in speeding occurred in 30 km/h and 50 km/h zones, with the percentage of speeders in 30 zones rising from 1.4% to 7.2%.
Why It Matters
The increase in speeding aligns with earlier studies indicating that automated speed cameras significantly reduce speeding in urban areas, particularly in school zones. Historical data show that speeding is correlated with higher crash rates and greater severity of injuries in accidents. For instance, pedestrians hit by vehicles traveling at 40 km/h have a 70% chance of survival, while those struck at 60 km/h have only a 5% survival rate. The debate over speed enforcement methods continues as the city faces rising traffic-related fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for effective safety measures.
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