Doug Ford vs. Speed Cameras: Is It a Cash Grab or a Safety Measure?
Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently made headlines by speaking out against speed cameras being set up across the province. His comments particularly focused on the cameras in Toronto, which have been notoriously vandalized — seemingly cut down or knocked over countless times. It’s a stark contrast to how they’re installed in Brampton, where they’re placed high up on poles, making them practically impossible to reach.
What truly surprised me about Ford’s stance is his usual “tough on crime” and “hard on law-breakers” image. You’d think he’d be all for measures that encourage people to abide by traffic laws. Yet, he stated that if cities don’t get rid of these cameras, he would. This felt very off-brand for a premier who typically champions law enforcement and order.
Ford, and many others, label these cameras a “giant cash grab” for cities. And honestly, they probably are. I believe Brampton alone is reportedly making around $30 million a year from them. It’s an insane amount of money, and I truly hope these funds are used to genuinely improve our cities, funding important initiatives rather than just lining politicians’ pockets.
My main issue with speed cameras, personally, is that they can feel a bit unforgiving. I sometimes wish there were a couple of “mulligans” — perhaps a warning letter or two before the actual fines start rolling in. This way, drivers are made aware and given a chance to adjust their habits. However, I can’t deny their effectiveness. These cameras have absolutely changed my own driving habits. I’ve donated enough money to them that now, when I’m unsure where a camera might be, or even when I know the limit, I’ll often drive below the posted speed — like 38 in a 40 zone — just to avoid the risk. It’s simply not worth it anymore.
So, while they might feel like a nuisance, I do think they help. Placing them around school zones, for example, seems like a no-brainer for safety. They could potentially save lives. That’s why it’s so surprising to see Doug Ford come out so strongly against them, given his typical “rah-rah” approach to enforcement and being, what I’d call, a generally pro-law-and-order premier. His current stance feels quite off-brand to me.
What do you all think? Are these cameras effective, or are they just a “tax grab”? Do they need to disappear, or perhaps just be adjusted? Let me know!
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