The City of Greater Sudbury will deactivate its six speed cameras on November 14, coinciding with the implementation of an Ontario prohibition on such traffic-calming devices.
Introduced in March 2024, these mobile cameras, which relocate every few months, helped the city generate $750,000 in revenues that were allocated for various traffic-calming initiatives and road enhancements like speed bumps.
Joe Rocca, the city’s director of linear infrastructure services, anticipates the cameras will yield $2.4 million in revenue by the time they are switched off in mid-November 2025.
Despite facing criticism and instances of vandalism, Rocca noted the cameras effectively deterred speeding in their designated areas, emphasizing the message that speeding has consequences.
In response to the upcoming ban, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria mentioned ongoing collaboration with municipalities to explore alternative traffic-calming solutions and funding opportunities.
Although Greater Sudbury has yet to receive details on additional measures from the province, Rocca expressed readiness to participate in and implement any new programs aimed at enhancing road safety.
Acknowledging the effectiveness of speed cameras on roads where traditional methods like speed bumps are unsuitable due to higher speed limits, Rocca confirmed ongoing discussions with the camera provider regarding contract termination.
The provincial legislation includes safeguards to shield municipalities from financial repercussions stemming from the ban on speed cameras.