The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, has allocated $210 million for municipalities to implement traffic-calming measures following the implementation of a ban on speed cameras. Ford had strongly criticized speed cameras, labeling them as a money-making scheme for local governments. Despite his opposition, the government went ahead with the ban last month.
Ford argued that speed cameras are ineffective in reducing speeding, but evidence from municipalities and researchers at the Hospital for Sick Children proved otherwise. Over 20 mayors had urged Ford to modify the program instead of eliminating it completely, highlighting that the funding for road safety measures would now come from all taxpayers rather than from fines imposed on speeding drivers.
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, enhanced signage, and increased police presence in school and community areas previously monitored by speed cameras. The remaining $168 million will be available for application by eligible municipalities early next year.
Ford’s stance against speed cameras intensified after 17 cameras were vandalized in Toronto over a two-day period. The ban on speed cameras was part of a red tape reduction bill that the government expedited, limiting discussions and bypassing public consultations.