London’s deputy mayor is challenging Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s proposal to eliminate automated speed cameras. Ford recently expressed his opposition to speed cameras, labeling them a “tax grab” and indicating plans to remove them if municipalities do not act first, aligning with Vaughan’s city council decision.
Deputy mayor Shawn Lewis criticized Ford’s stance, stating that following speed limits would prevent tickets and dismissing the notion of speed cameras as a money-making scheme. The speed limit in London’s school zones is 40 km/h, with the cameras, introduced in 2021, detecting vehicles exceeding this limit and issuing fines.
London employs seven mobile automated speed enforcement (ASE) units that target school zones with speeding issues, rotating through 55 different locations since their inception. The program, deemed “revenue neutral,” generated $105,088 in infractions revenue in 2024 after covering expenses, with Lewis noting the positive impact on driver behavior in school zones.
Lewis highlighted that the province supplied the cameras and emphasized the importance of their placement in school zones to protect vulnerable road users, particularly children. He mentioned that all ASE revenue contributes to road safety programs and enhancements, with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario supporting the effectiveness of speed cameras in improving road safety.
Regarding potential revenue loss if cameras were removed, Lewis suggested alternative measures like signage and lights but cautioned against eliminating consequences for speeding. He opposed the idea of replacing speed cameras with police officers in school zones, calling it financially imprudent and short-sighted.
In contrast, Hamilton plans to intensify its speed enforcement efforts by doubling the number of ASE cameras to enhance community safety and address longstanding traffic concerns. Lewis urged for a more comprehensive discussion rather than a complete removal of speed cameras, emphasizing the importance of maintaining road safety measures.
