Speed enforcement cameras bring in $4M, cut speeding by 17 per cent in Wellington County, engineer says

CTV's Ashley Bacon explains how a series of cameras are meant to put the brakes on speeding in Wellington County.

A pilot project aimed at reducing speeding in Wellington County is proving to be both effective and profitable, with automated speed enforcement cameras generating $4 million in just over three months.

According to county engineer Don Kudo, the initiative, which began on January 15, has already resulted in a 17 per cent reduction in vehicle speeds across targeted community safety zones.

“We’re just over three months in, there’s been a noticeable reduction in speed,” Kudo said. “To date, there’s been approximately 85,000 infractions.”

The program currently includes five camera locations, with two more expected to be installed soon. Kudo said there is potential for up to ten more community safety zones to receive enforcement cameras.

The revenue generated by the five cameras has been substantial.

“To date, the overall revenue is about $4 million, and of that, it is shared,” Kudo said. “Some of it goes to the province, and for the county, there’s about $1.5 million that’s been generated.”

As for how the funds will be used, county council has yet to make a final decision. However, Kudo said the money is intended for road safety improvements.

“The money is to be used for road safety initiatives and road improvements such as building roundabouts and reconstructing roads to make them safer,” he said.

The pilot project is scheduled to run for one year, after which council will review the results and determine whether to continue the program.

Council is set to meet again Thursday morning.