Toronto streets ‘significantly’ more dangerous one year after speed camera ban: Chow

One year after Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s call to end the ban on speed cameras, the city’s streets appear “significantly” more perilous, according to Chow. The ban, implemented by the Ford government in 2025, was initially hailed for reducing fatalities and serious injuries, as showcased by a 2025 study. However, Chow argues the data is “hogwash,” deeming it a revenue-generating scheme before the cameras were banned.

Chow now advocates for their return in areas where speeding has dramatically increased, citing a 400% rise in speeds in school and community zones since the ban. She maintains speed cameras as the most effective tool for curbing speeding, particularly on main roads, where implementing speed bumps is impractical due to the inability of fire trucks and ambulances to navigate them safely.

Despite the city’s efforts to implement alternative measures like protected crossings and upgraded traffic lights, Chow contends that speed cameras remain Toronto’s best solution. She emphasizes the necessity of faster emergency response vehicles in high-risk zones like arterial roads.

Chow also criticizes the provincial government’s failure to fulfill their promise to fund additional crossing guards, a role traditionally funded by the revenue from speed cameras. In the wake of the camera’s removal, Parkside Drive, once home to Toronto’s most notorious speed camera issuing over 70,000 tickets, has seen a 500% increase in drivers exceeding the speed limit by 20 km or more.

Parkside Drive resident Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of Safe Parkside, expresses deep concern over the safety conditions, noting the inadequate sidewalk width and alarming number of speeding incidents. The city’s recent poll supports Chow’s stance, with 66% of Torontonians and 60% of GTA residents calling for more photo radar cameras on the roads.