“Urban transportation makes up nearly a third of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing those emissions depends on shifting travel away from private cars. Safe, people-friendly streets are critical to that shift.”
A Statement from Tim Gray, Executive Director, Environmental Defence Canada
Posted November 10th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Toronto – Premier Doug Ford’s plan to remove speed cameras is reckless, not only because it makes our streets more dangerous, but also because it is another way that he is prioritizing private cars over people and the planet.
Speed cameras save lives by slowing down traffic and protecting vulnerable road users like children and seniors.
Premier Ford claims municipalities should redesign streets to lower speeds naturally instead of relying on cameras. But at the same time, the Ontario government’s own Bill 212 prohibits the most effective tools for doing that: lane reductions, physical barriers and other proven traffic-calming measures.
In fact, courts have already found parts of Bill 212 unconstitutional, citing how it puts pedestrians and cyclists at increased risk. Now, the government is doubling down and threatening the limited tools cities have left to address dangerous driving and car pollution.
This is not just a road safety issue. By blocking safe street designs that support walking, biking, and transit, Bill 212 also undermines climate action.
Urban transportation makes up nearly a third of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing those emissions depends on shifting travel away from private cars. Safe, people-friendly streets are critical to that shift.
Instead, the Ontario government is pushing for more car-centric sprawl, locking us into more emissions, pollution and congestion.
We need leadership that prioritizes safe streets and climate action ahead of reckless, car-centric laws and policies.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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It’s funny how Doug Ford points the finger claiming that Trump is a bully and dictator and acts on his own without congress. We in Ontario have a premier who isn’t much better. The elimination of the speed cameras is one example of how he rams through bills without input from the opposition or the public just like he has done in the past with the environment and the catering to developers. https://globalnews.ca/news/11498873/ontario-skip-committee-speed-camera-ban/
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