Canadians Continue to Dismantle Numerous Speed Cameras in Toronto Amid Rising Public Outrage | Carscoops

      Toronto's speed cameras are facing vandalism and political threats as Premier Doug Ford advocates for their removal.

      Over 800 incidents of vandalism have been reported as there is pushback against Toronto's speed cameras.

      Ontario Premier Doug Ford describes the cameras as a "tax grab" and supports eliminating the program.

      Supporters argue that evidence shows speed cameras decrease crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the roads.

      Nearly ten years ago, Ontario's provincial government approved the use of speed cameras. What began as an initiative to enhance safety is now encountering significant resistance. In the past nine months, the City of Toronto has logged at least 800 acts of vandalism against the cameras.

      Ford has labeled these cameras as a “tax grab.” Opponents claim that their removal would compromise safety once more.

      In the past week, at least 16 more cameras have been vandalized, prompting police to seek those responsible. Some have been cut down, while others have been spray-painted or damaged multiple times. According to NowToronto, one camera has been rendered inoperative due to vandalism seven times in the last ten months.

      Ford Advocates for Elimination

      These attacks coincide with Premier Doug Ford's call for the complete elimination of the cameras. “They should remove all those cameras,” Ford stated at a Toronto Region Board of Trade event, branding the program as merely a means of generating revenue.

      He contends that drivers are being unfairly penalized for minor speed violations, saying, “If they are five or ten kilometers over while driving through a neighbourhood, they are getting ticketed. It’s not fair. I’m totally against this photo radar system.”

      Ford’s government reiterated this position in a statement to CTV News, asserting, “We are looking into alternative measures to improve traffic safety without relying on automatic speed cameras, which serve only as a cash grab. We want cities to take steps to eliminate them; if not, we are ready to assist in their removal when the House resumes in the fall.”

      Safety Advocates Respond

      Supporters of the cameras emphasize that safety is the primary objective of their implementation. They claim the issue revolves around saving lives rather than generating revenue. Jess Spieker from Friends and Families for Safe Streets told CP24 that each camera is strategically placed. “These cameras save lives. People have died in areas where these cameras are installed, and those who vandalize them are endangering others,” she stated.

      There is some evidence indicating that automatic speed cameras have led to reduced speeds in locations where they are installed. However, it should be noted that the government has not provided data showing a decrease in pedestrian injuries or incidents following the introduction of the cameras, leaving the broader discussion unresolved.