Ontario’s Speed Camera Ban Sparks Controversy Among Voters

Ontario’s recent decision to eliminate speed cameras has generated significant debate among voters, revealing a clear divide along party lines. A poll conducted by Angus Reid between November 26 and December 1, 2023, indicates that while a majority of supporters from the Progressive Conservative party back the ban, opposition is notably strong among supporters of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Liberal Party.

According to the poll, only 38% of respondents view Premier Doug Ford’s decision to end the speed camera program as a positive move. In contrast, 49% believe it was the wrong decision, while 14% remain undecided. Among the Progressive Conservatives, 60% support the ban, whereas 69% of NDP supporters and 67% of Liberal supporters oppose it.

Context of the Ban

The ban comes approximately six years after the Ford government initially introduced speed cameras, a measure Ford justified by arguing that the program had devolved into a cash grab. Earlier this year, he stated, “What’s happening now, it’s out of control. This is nothing more than a tax grab taking tens of millions of dollars, hundreds of millions of dollars, out of the taxpayer’s pocket. Things have changed.”

Municipal leaders like Steven Del Duca, the Mayor of Vaughan, have supported the ban, citing affordability concerns and promising alternative measures to enhance road safety. He noted that his city discontinued its speed camera program in June. Ford has also emphasized that enforcement should focus on significant violations, stating, “No officer that I have ever met would ever give you a ticket for five or six kilometres over the speed limit.”

In response to safety concerns raised by several municipal officials, the provincial government has pledged $210 million for the newly established Road Safety Initiatives Fund (RSIF), aimed at implementing various measures to enhance road safety.

Public Opinion Variances

The ban has faced particularly strong criticism in urban areas, with the poll revealing that 58% of respondents in downtown Toronto oppose the decision, followed closely by 54% in Ottawa. In the 905 region, where the ban garnered more support, 45% opposed the removal of speed cameras compared to 42% who were in favor. Similar trends emerged in southwestern Ontario, where 43% opposed the ban versus 42% who supported it.

When asked about alternatives to speed cameras, the survey revealed that 53% of respondents preferred road redesigns and traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps and narrower lanes. Other suggestions included increased police enforcement by 47%, lower speed limits at 16%, public awareness campaigns at 13%, and 9% of respondents disapproving of any of the proposed alternatives.

The Angus Reid Forum surveyed 853 Canadian adults, with a comparable sample size indicating a margin of error of approximately 3%, 19 times out of 20.

As the debate continues, the provincial government faces mounting pressure to balance public safety with fiscal responsibility, prompting discussions on the future of traffic enforcement in Ontario.