Sixteen speed cameras in Toronto were discovered damaged on Tuesday morning, a mere two days following the cutting down of the Parkside Drive speed camera for the seventh time in less than a year. Toronto police verified the vandalism of the automated speed enforcement cameras overnight across various locations in the city. Among the affected cameras were two found severed on O’Connor Drive, west of Coxwell Avenue, and Lake Shore Boulevard, just west of Woodbine Avenue. The incident at Parkside Drive occurred on September 7.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Duty Insp. Peter Wallace informed the media that the Toronto Police Service is actively investigating the matter and will deploy more resources to combat the vandalism, including heightened monitoring in targeted zones. Wallace mentioned that officers are meticulously examining each instance to collect evidence and locate witnesses, with additional investigative personnel assigned to each case.
Wallace refrained from disclosing specifics about the supplementary resources but assured that the police force will collaborate with the city to deter further acts of vandalism. He emphasized that motorists should anticipate an increased police presence in areas where speed cameras have been targeted by vandals. Wallace reiterated the commitment to upholding traffic enforcement despite the challenges posed by the incidents.
At the same news conference, police unveiled security camera images capturing two suspects believed to be responsible for damaging the Parkside Drive speed camera. Both suspects were observed wearing dark attire.
Councillor Brad Bradford expressed discontent over the situation, sharing an image on social media depicting the destroyed speed camera on Lake Shore Boulevard. He criticized the continual struggle to maintain these cameras, labeling it as unacceptable.
Premier Doug Ford voiced his opposition to speed cameras during a discussion with reporters, denouncing them as a “tax grab” and advocating for their removal akin to the actions taken by Vaughan. Ford underscored the importance of public safety but argued against measures that he perceived as exploiting fatalities for revenue generation.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria’s spokesperson, Dakota Brasier, conveyed that the province intends to eliminate speed cameras later this year, exploring alternative safety measures to replace them. Brasier criticized the cameras as a means of generating revenue and urged cities to remove them or face government intervention upon the legislative return in the Fall.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford’s stance, emphasizing the importance of road safety and the role speed cameras play in reducing accidents and safeguarding vulnerable road users.
Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the vandalism of the speed cameras, emphasizing their critical role in enhancing community safety. She stressed the criminal nature of such acts and urged the police to pursue the perpetrators diligently to prevent further incidents that compromise public safety. The city spokesperson, Laura McQuillan, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the negative impact of vandalism on road safety and urging cooperation with law enforcement to address the issue effectively.
McQuillan disclosed that the city had imposed around $45.1 million in speed camera fines so far this year and had doubled the number of speed camera devices in April. She clarified that the city does not own the cameras, as they are provided by a vendor, and any damages incurred are covered within the contractual agreement, requiring no additional taxpayer funds.