Answering your questions about the Automated Speed Enforcement program

Cameras go live on April 23!

The City of Vaughan’s automated speed enforcement cameras will go live in 10 locations across Vaughan on Wednesday, April 23, with the goal of keeping all road users safe. Following an extensive notification period, which began in October 2024, this is the next step we’re taking to reduce speeding and prioritize road safety for everyone in our community. 

With just one week until the cameras go live, we’re answering your top questions about the City’s Automated Speed Enforcement program:

Why is the City implementing an Automated Speed Enforcement program?

The Automated Speed Enforcement program is another way the City is enhancing road safety across Vaughan. This program is a key initiative under the MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy (MoveSmart), which focuses on improving the municipal road network and road safety, and supporting the development of more cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to create fully connected and integrated communities.

Where will the cameras be installed?

The City’s Automated Speed Enforcement program will only operate in designated Community Safety Zones where some of our most vulnerable residents – including children and seniors – live, work and play. These areas are marked with signage indicating when you enter and leave them.

‘Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon’ signage was installed in October 2024 at 10 locations where mobile cameras will go live on Wednesday, April 23. These locations were chosen using a data-driven approach to identify areas where speeding is of concern, prioritizing sites based on overall traffic volume, collision history and the presence of schools, parks, community centres, libraries, sidewalks and/or cycling facilities. 

How will I know if I’m driving in an area with an automated speed enforcement camera?

Once the cameras are operational on April 23, ‘Municipal Speed Camera in Use’ signs will replace ‘Coming Soon’ signage within each designated Community Safety Zone. 

Are the automated speed enforcement cameras permanent?

During the first year, the cameras will be rotated in Community Safety Zones across the city on a quarterly basis.

What time of day do automated speed enforcement cameras enforce the speed limit?

Automated speed enforcement cameras in Vaughan will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week on local roads. The time of day or year does not affect the enforcement of the speed limit. The speed limit is always 40 kilometres per hour in all Community Safety Zones. The best way to avoid getting a ticket is by driving the speed limit.

Is automated speed enforcement simply a revenue-generating tool?

All revenues generated from this program will be invested back into protecting our most vulnerable road users, including children and seniors. 

Is there a set speed above which the camera will issue a ticket?

Speed limits are not guidelines – they are the law, and the best way to avoid receiving a ticket is to comply with the posted speed limit. 

Any driver travelling at or below the posted speed limit will be observed as following the rules established in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and will not be ticketed by the automated speed enforcement cameras. All of Vaughan’s cameras will be programmed by the camera vendor in accordance with the guidelines set by a provincial steering committee. This ensures uniformity and transparency across the province. 

How are tickets processed?

Automated speed enforcement uses a camera and speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. If a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, the system captures an image to be reviewed by a Provincial Offences Officer. An image of the offence, licence plate and ticket with an associated fine are then mailed to the vehicle's owner (regardless of who was driving) within 30 days.

What are the fines associated with an automated speed enforcement ticket?

Fines and penalty amounts are determined under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, and they correspond with the amount over the speed limit the vehicle is travelling when the image is taken. For more information regarding set fines, visit the Ontario Court of Justice’s website.

Avoiding a ticket is simple – drive the speed limit! Speed limits are not guidelines – they are the law. 

Evidence and research indicate other jurisdictions have effectively used this system to reduce speeds on local roads, contributing to a safer road network for all users. Residents may have already noticed speed cameras in Vaughan because York Region has a program is in place along select regional roads.

Learn more about the program at vaughan.ca/ASE.

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