A political divide has sharply emerged over Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent decision to eliminate speed cameras across the province. A new poll reveals a stark contrast in opinion, largely dictated by party affiliation, igniting a debate about safety, revenue, and the role of automated enforcement.
The poll indicates that nearly half of all Ontarians – 49% – believe the ban is a misstep, while 38% support it. This disapproval isn’t uniform, however. Within the Progressive Conservative base, a significant 60% applaud the move, viewing it as a necessary correction.
Strong opposition comes from supporters of other parties. A resounding 69% of NDP voters and 67% of Liberal voters disagree with the decision, highlighting concerns about road safety and a potential rollback of preventative measures.
Premier Ford initially justified the ban by claiming the speed camera program had devolved into a “tax grab,” siphoning money from taxpayers under the guise of safety. He argued the system had become “out of control” and was unfairly targeting drivers for minor infractions.
The decision follows a pattern of vandalism targeting the cameras themselves. In one instance, a speed camera on Parkside Drive was repeatedly cut down – a total of seven times this year – suggesting a tangible public frustration with the program.
Despite the outcry from some municipal leaders and safety advocates, the province is responding with a $210 million investment through the newly established Road Safety Initiatives Fund. This aims to address road safety through alternative means, but many remain skeptical.
Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca publicly supported the ban, citing affordability concerns for his city and a belief that other strategies will be more effective in curbing speeding. However, numerous other mayors have urged the Premier to reconsider, emphasizing the potential safety consequences.
Geographically, opposition to the ban is most pronounced in downtown Toronto, where 58% of those polled expressed disapproval, and in Ottawa, with 54% voicing similar concerns. Support for the removal is comparatively higher in the 905 region surrounding Toronto and in southwestern Ontario.
When presented with alternatives, a majority – 53% – of respondents favored road redesigns and traffic calming measures like speed bumps and lane narrowing. Increased police enforcement was also popular, with 47% supporting the idea, while lower speed limits and public awareness campaigns garnered less support.
The poll, conducted among 853 Canadian adults, offers a snapshot of public sentiment, revealing a deeply fractured opinion on a controversial policy decision with potentially far-reaching implications for road safety across Ontario.
