Speed cameras show promising early results in school zones, town reports

(File photo)

Early results from the Town of Newmarket’s Community Safety Camera Program show driver’s are hitting the brakes, with a notable reduction in speeding near schools, with officials hopeful the trend continues to accelerate.

The initiative launched in 2024 and uses automated speed enforcement cameras in community safety zones around schools. The Town says the goal is to make roads safer by discouraging speeding, especially where children are likely to be walking.

Initial data collected since the cameras went live shows average speeds have dropped from 47 km/h to 37 km/h in areas where the posted speed limit is 40 km/h — a 23 per cent reduction. The Town also reports the number of vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit has dropped by 73 per cent compared to data collected before the cameras were installed.

“I am happy to see that speeding has decreased in Newmarket, thanks to the Community Safety Camera Program,” said Mayor John Taylor. “Preliminary data has shown early success in improving driver behaviour and enhancing road safety. Newmarket streets are now even safer with the use of automated speed cameras, coupled with the Town’s other traffic management measures.”

In the program’s early stages, the Town issued over 2,500 warning letters in September 2024, giving drivers time to adjust their habits before fines were imposed. Since October 2024, roughly 13,709 tickets have been issued.

The highest recorded speed so far? A startling 113 km/h — nearly three times the speed limit — in a 40 km/h school zone.

Town officials caution that the data reflects fall and winter driving, when snowy and icy roads tend to make drivers more cautious. As such, these early numbers might not capture the full picture. A more comprehensive report is expected to go before council in 2026.

There are currently 14 pole-mounted speed cameras set up in school zones across all seven wards in Newmarket. Locations include Stonehaven Avenue, Gorham Street, Wayne Drive, Longford Drive, Queen Street, Savage Road, and Woodspring Avenue, among others.

Tickets arrive by regular mail within 30 days of the offence. While the penalties involve fines, no demerit points are added to a driver’s record. The Town reminds residents that it does not request payment by phone, email, or text message — only by letter mail.

“As always, our goal is not to ticket drivers. We want everyone to understand the dangers of speeding, especially near schools where children are travelling. Please keep Newmarket streets safe and do not speed,” the mayor added.

York Region runs a separate Automated Speed Enforcement Program. The Town of Newmarket’s system operates independently.

Town officials remain optimistic that the safety improvements will continue as the program matures. In the meantime, they urge motorists to stay alert behind the wheel, especially in areas where children are on the move.