Doug Ford is making good on his promise to ban speed cameras, calling the devices nothing but a “cash grab” by Ontario municipalities.
Premier Ford said when the house returns in October, his Progressive Conservatives will introduce legislation that prevents cities and towns from operating automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras.
In their place, the government is promising to create a new fund for other traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts, raised crosswalks, curb extensions and signage.
Ford’s announcement flies in the face of advice provided by numerous expert organizations, including SickKids Hospital, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Ontario Traffic Council.
Research shows that automated cameras are not only effective at reducing speeds, they are actually widely supported by the general public. Many municipalities also reject the argument that the cameras are a “cash grab,” saying the bulk of revenue gets reinvested in road safety measures.
Joining us on tonight’s Closer Look podcast is a panel of guests with plenty to say about Ford’s speed camera plan: Pamela Fuselli, president and CEO of the injury prevention charity Parachute; Michael Stewart of the Canadian Automobile Association; and Jack Hauen, a reporter at Village Media’s The Trillium.
You can watch the full episode in the above YouTube video.
Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.
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