Parents in Hamilton recently gathered to protest the Ontario government’s decision to ban speed cameras, hoping to influence a reversal of the policy. The group, known as Parents Against Speeding Hamilton, held a demonstration at a local park and collected signatures on a petition against the ban imposed by Premier Doug Ford’s administration. Organizer Henio Doessing emphasized the importance of maintaining speed cameras for the safety of children, citing successful efforts in Toronto to challenge similar bans.
Despite the government’s stance that speed cameras are primarily a revenue-generating tactic and do not effectively reduce speeding, Doessing referred to a study conducted by the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Metropolitan University, which demonstrated a 45% decrease in speeding vehicles in urban school zones in Toronto due to the presence of speed cameras. He argued that a blanket ban on speed cameras overlooks their efficacy in enforcing traffic laws and reducing speed in various scenarios.
Expressing disappointment in the government’s decision, Doessing highlighted the inconsistency with conservative values of law, order, and safety. He criticized the prioritization of motorists over the safety of communities and families, particularly children. Furthermore, he addressed the need for speed cameras as a crucial tool in promoting safe driving habits and ensuring neighborhood safety.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath previously praised the effectiveness of the city’s speed camera program in deterring speeding and changing driver behavior. She noted a significant drop in ticket revenues due to improved compliance with speed limits as a result of the program. Several mayors, including Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, have advocated for adjusting rather than abolishing the speed camera initiative, emphasizing the lack of clarity on alternative traffic calming measures proposed by the government.
The transportation ministry’s plans to replace speed cameras with physical traffic calming measures such as roundabouts and speed bumps remain uncertain. The city of Hamilton had plans to expand its speed camera system, but the implementation of additional cameras has been put on hold pending guidance from the province. Stakeholders, including school board trustee Kathy Archer, stressed the importance of reducing speeds near schools to ensure the safety of students and pedestrians. Archer emphasized the need for a standardized speed limit near schools to instill a culture of responsible driving and prevent accidents.