The removal of speed cameras on Parkside Drive in Toronto has led to a startling increase in speeding, according to data from the City of Toronto and local advocacy group Safe Parkside. This development is deeply concerning, as it directly contradicts the province's decision to ban the cameras and highlights the challenges of ensuring road safety without them.
The speed camera on Parkside Drive was installed in April 2022, following a tragic five-car crash that claimed the lives of Valdemar and Fatima Avila. It became one of the city's most effective cameras, issuing over 70,000 tickets and generating more than $7.5 million in revenue. The camera's presence significantly reduced speeding, with the highest recorded speed being 154 km/h, nearly four times the posted speed limit of 40 km/h.
However, the camera's success in curbing speeding has been short-lived. Since its removal, there has been a 235% increase in vehicles exceeding 60 km/h, as revealed by Safe Parkside's data. This alarming trend is not only dangerous but also predictable, according to Faraz Gholizadeh of Safe Parkside.
The removal of the speed camera coincides with a wave of vandalism. The camera has been cut down at least seven times since November 2024, with vandals dragging it through High Park and dumping it into a pond. This ongoing issue has undermined the camera's effectiveness and raised questions about the city's ability to protect its infrastructure.
Premier Doug Ford's opposition to speed cameras is rooted in his belief that they are ineffective and that alternative measures like speed bumps and roundabouts are more suitable. However, evidence from municipalities and the Hospital for Sick Children suggests otherwise, indicating that speed cameras can significantly reduce speeding in school zones. Ford's reluctance to adopt these measures is concerning, especially given the city's plans to expand its speed camera network.
The increase in speeding on Parkside Drive has led to a rise in multi-vehicle crashes, according to Safe Parkside. This trend underscores the importance of speed cameras in maintaining road safety and highlights the challenges of relying solely on traffic calming measures. The community's frustration is palpable, as they wonder when the decision to remove the speed camera will lead to another preventable tragedy.
The situation on Parkside Drive is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between road safety and public perception. While speed cameras can be effective in reducing speeding, their removal can lead to dangerous consequences. The city must carefully consider its approach to road safety, ensuring that it balances the need for safety with public acceptance and infrastructure protection.
