Region’s speed camera program on the right track
Posted Jul 23, 2025 03:14:31 PM.
Last Updated Jul 24, 2025 02:26:37 PM.
There are a few words sure to ruffle the feathers of long-time Waterloo Region residents.
Amalgamation comes to mind. Roundabouts is another one. More recently, it’s been speed enforcement cameras.
Since launching its speed camera and community safety zone initiative in 2021, the Region has faced everything from simple complaints to outright vandalism directed at speed cameras.
Undeterred, the Region plans to see the phased program through to completion in 2028.
New data released by CAA shows that the Region is on the right course and they do have the backing of the general public.
CAA surveyed 1,500 Ontario drivers over the age of 18, asking about their thoughts and interactions with speed cameras.
The data shows that 23 per cent or nearly one quarter of respondents had received a speeding ticket in the mail this year. That’s up from 17 per cent in 2024.
Michael Stewart, community relations consultant, CAA SCO, was guest on The Mike Farwell Show.
“While that number may seem high, the good news is that 73 per cent of drivers are slowing down when they approach these cameras and 52 per cent don’t speed up again once they pass the camera, which up from 44 per cent in 2023,” he said. “So, we are seeing that behaviour shift over time.”
While the number of tickets has gone up, what is reassuring for the region is that people seem to support the programs.
Nearly three-quarters, 73 per cent of Ontario drivers say they are in favour of speed cameras in community safety zones (CSZ) or other high pedestrian traffic areas. Even more believe the cameras are effective at deterring speeding altogether; 76 per cent believe they do.
The survey also found that 46 per cent of drivers avoid routes with speed cameras.
Stewart was asked if he thought Ontarians could expect to see speed cameras in other areas outside CMZ’s. He said maybe.
“CAA supports them being used in community safety zones and around schools,” he said. “Any further expansion beyond those types of roads, we’d want to make sure there is careful consultation and discussion with the general public and make sure their effectiveness would still be there.”
