Toronto’s speed camera program is facing its sharpest test after 17 cameras were cut down this week and Premier Doug Ford threatened to scrap the initiative altogether if the city refuses to do so on its own.
The vandalism comes amid an escalating debate between Queen’s Park and city hall over whether automated speed enforcement is about road safety or unfairly punishing drivers.
Already, more than 800 cases of vandalism have been reported against the devices this year, but the latest wave coincides with Ford calling the cameras “not fair” and pledging to follow the lead of Vaughan, which temporarily paused its program after public backlash.
Mayor Olivia Chow, meanwhile, has doubled down following comments from the premier, insisting the cameras save lives.
“The camera is there to protect our most vulnerable, whether they are children going to school, or seniors going shopping or going to see a doctor. They are protecting our citizens,” Chow told reporters at city hall on Tuesday.
City data shows the busiest camera this year is on O’Connor Drive west of Lankin Boulevard, where nearly 19,000 tickets have been issued.
Earlier this year, officials also admitted that city vehicles themselves had collected 190 tickets, adding up to more than $18,000 in fines.
Council has debated changes. A recent motion by councillor Anthony Perruzza sought to review how tickets are issued and ensure they are dispensed “fairly and clearly.” The proposal was ultimately voted down.
Supporters of the program point to safety gains. A 2020–2022 study by SickKids and Toronto Metropolitan University found a 45 per cent drop in drivers exceeding the speed limit near automated enforcement sites. However, more recently, the CAA noted 73 per cent of Ontario drivers say they slow down when approaching a camera.
Ford has pushed back, arguing the cameras disproportionately target drivers who are only slightly over the limit.
“I’ve driven by speed traps not even close to school areas,” the premier said Tuesday. “Some people driving through a neighbourhood and they are five, 10 kilometres over, they are getting nailed. It’s not fair. So, I’m dead against this photo radar that they have.”
The premier said he hopes more municipalities follow Vaughan’s lead but warned that if Toronto council does not end the program, he will intervene this fall.
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