What happened?
The City of Vaughan has officially scrapped its automated speed enforcement cameras after just a few months in operation. Mayor Steven Del Duca’s motion to end the program passed council on Monday, with a 7-3 vote. The move comes after more than 32,000 tickets were handed out in only three weeks earlier this year.
Why the sudden reversal?
Del Duca argued that the cameras placed an unfair financial burden on residents already facing economic strain. “The balance tips too heavily toward financial penalties,” he said, adding that residents felt “the real criminals” committing violent crimes were being ignored while ordinary drivers were ticketed multiple times.
Ford turns up the pressure
Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised Vaughan’s move, calling the cameras “nothing but a tax grab.” He hinted he may push other municipalities to follow suit. Toronto, however, has issued more than $45 million in fines from the cameras so far this year and continues to defend the program, pointing to studies showing a 45% reduction in speeding.
Pushback from safety advocates
Not everyone agrees with Vaughan’s decision. Some councillors and community groups warned it was a “knee-jerk reaction” that could put more pedestrians at risk. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario told Ford in a letter that removing cameras will increase speeds and endanger children in school zones.
The bigger picture
The debate highlights a growing divide: should municipalities prioritize revenue relief for residents, or double down on automated enforcement as a road safety tool? Vaughan may have made its choice, but the fight across Ontario is far from over.
