‘This program saves lives’: Brampton votes to keep speed cameras for the time being as Ford pushes for ban

Brampton regional councillor Rowena Santos spoke on how residents in the municipality are ‘noticing cars slowing down’ with the use of speed cameras.

Brampton city council has voted unanimously to continue its automated speed enforcement (ASE) program, despite Premier Doug Ford’s promise to repeal the provincial legislation that allows municipalities to operate the cameras.

The motion by Councillor Rowena Santos and backed by all councillors comes a week after Ford announced plans for legislation to remove more than 700 municipal speed cameras operating in 40 municipalities.

• Doug Ford moves to ban speed cameras in Ontario next month

Ford has repeatedly framed the cameras as “a cash grab,” but critics say dismantling them would undo years of progress on road safety and waste millions already invested.

‘This program saves lives’

“I am deeply disappointed by the Premier’s decision,” Santos said Wednesday. “This program saves lives.”

“Like many other municipalities, Brampton has just completed installing new cameras and has made significant investments in this program, which has already reduced speeding, prevented collisions, and protected our most vulnerable residents. To dismantle it now undermines public safety and wastes taxpayer dollars,” she added.

Santos stressed that Brampton’s program follows provincial best practices, with ticketing thresholds based on expert consultation, 90-day advance signage, and all locations published online.

Officials say the average speed of a ticketed driver in Brampton is 15.7 km/h over the posted limit, which she said shows enforcement is “reasonable and aligned with best practices.”

Her motion called for continued use of ASE while addressing provincial concerns through transparency and ensuring revenue goes directly back into road safety initiatives.

However, it should be noted that the legislation permitting the cameras is entirely under the purview of the provincial government.

‘All or nothing deal,’ minister says

The vote sets up a direct confrontation with plans outlined by the Ford government. Speaking to CP24, Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria has reinforced Ford’s position, suggesting this is an “all or nothing deal” and that every municipality is expected to comply.

It’s worth noting that Ford’s stance is a reversal of his own government’s 2019 law that initially gave municipalities the power to install automated speed enforcement cameras.

His plan would force cities to replace the devices with new warning signage by mid-November, with permanent flashing-light signs in place by 2026.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has also vowed to defend her city’s program, urging residents to pressure their MPPs and repeating her message that “speed kills.” Other municipalities including police chiefs across Ontario have similarly spoken out in hopes of convincing the Premier to reconsider.

Residents and next steps

Public opinion also remains divided.

Nearly 200 people submitted feedback to CTV News Toronto this month, with some supporting the devices and others criticizing them.

• We asked Torontonians for their thoughts on speed cameras. This is what they said

Despite the push, Santos said she believes compromise is possible.

“Brampton is very close to getting this right,” she said. “I urge Premier Ford to meet with Mayor Patrick Brown and other municipal leaders to find a balanced compromise. The challenge now is not to abandon what works, but to preserve safety while addressing concerns.”