Toronto’s Crackdown on Speeding Just Got a Lot More Expensive
Toronto has never been a stranger to spirited debate, but few things have stirred up drivers lately quite like the city's speed cameras. With 150 automated speed enforcement (ASE) units now dotting the landscape from school zones in Scarborough to residential streets in Etobicoke, many Torontonians are asking if these cameras are really about preventing car accidents. Or are they just another way to extract money from drivers?
This past week, five ASE units were vandalized within a 24-hour period. That alone tells you how heated the situation has become. At City Hall, councillors are split. In neighbourhoods, drivers are venting. Meanwhile, the city insists the program is working as intended to keep speeds down and pedestrians safe.
Why does Toronto use automated speed cameras?
Toronto’s ASE program didn’t appear overnight. The first batch of 50 cameras was quietly installed in early 2020, with ticketing delayed until the summer due to the pandemic. Since then, the program has expanded, with 25 more additions in 2022, and an additional 75 going live in April 2025. This brought the total to 150.
The goal is to reduce speeding, particularly in Community Safety Zones near schools, parks, or senior residences where vulnerable pedestrians are common. These aren’t random locations. Each one is backed by traffic data pointing to a history of speeding and collisions.
A 2023 study by The Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Metropolitan University showed that these cameras slow drivers down and help prevent crashes. They also make certain stretches of road safer without having to post an officer on every corner.
Why are people so upset about the speed cameras?
Despite the safety statistics, not everyone is on board. Some see the cameras as glorified speed traps. Others say it’s a cash grab disguised as public policy.
Councillor Anthony Perruzza voiced concerns during a heated council session in June. He argued the program unfairly targets “conscientious” drivers, lacks clear signage, and doesn’t give people a fair heads-up. He introduced a motion to pause the entire program until the city could prove it was being implemented fairly.
That motion failed, but it lit a fire under the City Council. Mayor Olivia Chow passed her own motion, requiring larger, more visible warning signs and a review of how first-time violations are handled. One suggestion under consideration was to issue a warning to drivers before the first fine is given when a new camera is installed.
So, while the cameras aren’t going anywhere, the way they’re rolled out may start to look a bit different.
This isn’t the first time speed cameras have been tampered with, but the recent spike has city officials on edge. Parkside Drive near High Park has become the poster child for vandalism. That single camera has been cut down five times in six months. At one point, someone even tossed it into a frozen lake. It’s also one of the city’s most “profitable” cameras and has issued over 66,000 tickets and generated more than $7 million in fines.
Other recent targets include:
- The East Mall, south of Faludon Court
- Sheppard Avenue East, west of Don Mills
- Pharmacy Avenue, near Sherwood and Galsworthy
- McCowan Road, south of Sandhurst Circle
- Eglinton Avenue West, east of Martin Grove
How much can a speed camera ticket cost?
The fine structure is tied directly to how fast drivers go over the limit, including:
- 1–19 km/h over: $5 per km
- 20–29 km/h over: $7.50 per km
- 30–49 km/h over: $12 per km
- 50+ km/h over: $19.50 per km
That means if you're caught doing 65 in a 40 zone, your base fine is $300. But that’s not the full amount. There’s a victim surcharge and licence plate access fee tacked on, so the total could climb well beyond that.
However, drivers don't lose demerit points, and it won’t be recorded on their driving records because the camera doesn’t identify who was driving. The ticket is issued to the registered vehicle owner, regardless of who was behind the wheel. All photos are reviewed by a provincial offence officer before a ticket is mailed out to ensure everything is in order.
What should drivers do to prevent crashes in Toronto?
Slowing down isn't just about obeying the law; it's about saving lives. Speeding significantly increases the risk of serious accidents and injuries. When a driver travels above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to unexpected hazards such as a pedestrian crossing, a sudden stop, or a sharp turn. The faster a vehicle moves, the longer it takes to stop, and the greater the force of impact in a collision.
Additionally, high-speed crashes are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, not just for the driver but for passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Speeding also reduces a driver's ability to control the vehicle, especially on wet, icy, or uneven roads. In residential areas or near schools, even a small increase in speed can make the difference between a near miss and a deadly impact. Slowing down gives drivers more control, more time to react, and a better chance of avoiding tragedy.
Injured by a speeding driver in Toronto? Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
A crash caused by a speeding driver can be devastating. If you were injured, you could face a long and expensive road to recovery. Fortunately, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The Toronto car accident lawyers at Smitiuch Injury Law are here to guide you through every step of the process, from investigating the crash to building a strong claim for the compensation you deserve. We hold reckless drivers accountable and fight to make sure you’re not the one left paying for someone else’s careless mistake.
When you book a free consultation with our law firm, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options clearly with no pressure or confusion. You’ll talk directly with an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer who understands Ontario’s insurance laws and how to handle speeding-related cases. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case. That means no upfront costs and no financial risk.
Our law firm proudly serves clients across Ontario, including Toronto, Brantford, Simcoe, and surrounding communities. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, contact us today or schedule your free consultation online. We can meet you at our office, your home, or even your hospital room. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.
"I am eternally grateful to them and cannot convey enough how much I appreciate the amazing legal work they did on my behalf. I highly recommend Smitiuch Injury Law to anyone in need of legal services.” — E. S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
