Toronto’s speed cameras slow drivers down, new study reveals

They may not be popular, but according to a new study Toronto’s speed cameras are quite effective when it comes to slowing drivers down.

It’s been three years since the City of Toronto began ticketing motorists caught by the automated cameras. Since then, many drivers have had to foot the bill for their lead-footed ways.

But beyond the obvious source of revenue, the City says a new study proves that the cameras make our roads safer.

An evaluation study by researchers from SickKids Hospital and Toronto Metropolitan University analyzed speed and collision rates from January 2020 to December of last year at 204 camera locations.

They study found that drivers slowed down in 80 per cent of the camera zones. There was also an overall reduction of 45 per cent in the proportion of people speeding, and an overall decrease of about seven kilometres an hour.

Excessive speeding — defined as driving over the speed limit by 20 km/h or more — was also lowered by 87 per cent where devices were installed.

There are currently 75 devices at locations across the city.

The devices may ding your wallet, but drivers caught speeding on them don’t incur any demerit points and a ticket won’t affect your driving record.

“This is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in slowing down drivers and creating a safer environment for our school communities,” Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie said in a release.