Mayor Tory unveils Toronto’s first automated speed enforcement pilot project location

News Release

September 4, 2018

Toronto Mayor John Tory along with Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee and Councillor Jon Burnside (Ward 26 Don Valley West) officially unveiled a pilot location for new automated speed enforcement (ASE) devices today as part of the City of Toronto’s Vision Zero Road Safety Program. The devices are positioned at Don Mills Road and Overlea Boulevard.

“Using available technology that supports road safety and reduces driving speeds is a modern approach to protecting our residents,” said Mayor John Tory. “I firmly believe we are on the right track by installing these cameras in school zones and that Toronto residents want these initiatives in place to help make our roads safer for everyone.”

During this four-month pilot program, the ASE units will be used to collect data to better understand the processing and administrative requirements of the enforcement program. Data will be collected from school zones located on local, collector and minor arterial roads. The ASE units will be used to collect the speeds and volume of vehicles. The data collected will also be used for educational and outreach purposes, aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, reducing excessive speed and making communities safer for everyone.

“Automated Speed Enforcement is a key tool in the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan that will curb aggressive driving in school zones,” said Councillor Robinson. “This new technology in the City of Toronto marks an innovative approach that will provide valuable data and improve road safety for the city’s most vulnerable road users — school-aged children.”

The Automated Speed Enforcement pilot project does not involve the issuance of tickets or charges to vehicle owners as the regulations necessary from the Province of Ontario have not yet been enacted. It is expected that the Automated Speed Enforcement program will be operational by the end of 2019.

“The safety of the residents in our neighbourhood is my priority,” said Councillor Burnside. “The devices have been installed at a very busy intersection in our ward that is used by thousands of people every day. I’m excited at the opportunity to make this a safer community for everyone.”

The pilot program will run from September to December this year, with mobile ASE units deployed in different locations around the city.

The City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan website includes a mapping tool showing safety measures in place and future planned work as well as safety tips for all road users aimed at making streets safer: http://www.toronto.ca/VisionZeroTO.

The Vision Zero Road Safety program is focused on eliminating fatalities and reducing serious injuries, with an emphasis on pedestrian, school children, older adult, cyclist and motorcyclist safety and reducing aggressive and distracted driving. The City’s total five-year Vision Zero investment is $109 million.

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