The city of Toronto needed regulatory permission from the province of Ontario to begin enforcing speed limits with the use of automated camera technology. Photo radar in Ontario is legal as of today.
"Photo radar should soon be catching speeding drivers across Toronto — a notable and long-awaited development in the fight against traffic carnage that has claimed the lives of 37 pedestrians so far this year," reports David Rider.
The Ontario Transportation Ministry enabled the use of photo technology for speed enforcement under regulations approved under Safer School Zones Act, which take effect on Sunday, December 1.
"Detailed regulations with rules for use of the “enhanced tools” had not yet been released by late Friday afternoon but the ministry made it clear the decision on whether to employ photo radar will be up to each municipality," according to Rider. "It’s unclear if there are any restrictions about how cities can use the technology."
According to Rider, the news about the new local powers is welcome in Toronto, which has been waiting for the province to clear the way for years. The city already has a plan to operate 50 enforcement cameras.
FULL STORY: After long wait, Ontario is set to allow photo radar on Toronto streets
Big Cities Make Pedestrian Safety a Priority
New data released Dec. 19 by NHTSA shows increased safety for those traveling by car, but pedestrian fatalities are 15% higher than in 2009. Plans by San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago to increase ped safety are described by the WSJ.
First Speed Camera Installed in Gwinnett County
A new speed camera program aims to decrease traffic collisions near schools and make it easier for the police to fine speeding drivers.
Someone Is Stealing Toronto's New Speed Cameras
A pilot program that installed 50 speed cameras near schools in Toronto would only send warnings to scofflaws, but someone is stealing the cameras anyway.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
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