The association representing Ontario's municipalities is urging Premier Doug Ford to reconsider his plan to get rid of automated speed cameras, saying it will put pedestrians at risk.
Ford reacted to news earlier this week that 17 automated speed cameras were cut down in Toronto over two nights, saying if municipalities don't ditch them, he will.
The premier called the cameras a "cash grab," and suggested that "big huge signs" and "big flashing lights" would more effectively deter speeding.
But the Association of Municipalities of Ontario told Ford in a letter this week that there is real evidence the cameras improve road safety, including a July study from SickKids and Toronto Metropolitan University that found they reduced speeding by 45 per cent in Toronto.
"The evidence shows that if (automated speed enforcement) cameras are removed, speeds will increase in community safety zones and more pedestrians will be at risk," association president Robin Jones wrote in the letter.
"Instead, we strongly recommend that you work with municipalities to ensure we have the tools we need to ensure road safety."
Ford's office declined to comment on the letter beyond what he and the Ministry of Transportation said earlier in the week.
"We are exploring alternative tools to enhance traffic safety without the use of automatic speed cameras that are nothing but a cash grab," the ministry's earlier statement said.
"We want to see cities take steps to remove them, otherwise we are prepared to help get rid of them when the House returns in the fall."
The association disputed the ministry and premier's characterization of the cameras.
"Speed limits are legal requirements and enforcement of the law is not a cash grab or a tax," Jones wrote.
"Net (automated speed enforcement) revenues are reinvested in community safety improvements and mean that police officers can focus on other higher-impact activities."
Toronto issued about $40 million in fines from automated speed cameras in 2024 and so far this year the total is already up over $45 million, a city spokesperson said.
Toronto police officers are investigating the rash of camera vandalism and released grainy images of two people who appear to be taking down one camera on Parkside Drive, which has been cut down seven times.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2025.
