Expanded Use of Automated Speed Enforcement - by Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Ana Bailão

City staff have reported: Data from the first set of locations shows the City's Automated Speed Enforcement program had a positive impact on driver behaviour where the speed cameras were placed, with a demonstrated reduction in speeding incidents and a reduction in repeat offenders. A Toronto Medical Officer of Health report (Item 2015.HL5.6 entitled Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety in Toronto) on road safety in 2015 notes: "The speed of a vehicle has an impact on both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of injuries for those involved. A recent review of the evidence of the health impact of reduced speeds (zones and limits) found a reduction in traffic collisions, injuries, traffic speed and volume, as well as improved perceptions of safety." The City has embraced Vision Zero in an attempt to end the senseless tragedy of road deaths and serious injuries. Expanding the use of Automated Speed Enforcement would be a wise investment in achieving that vision. One limitation on that expansion are the provincial government regulations which restricts automated speed enforcement technology on only roads with speed limits under 80 kilometres per hour in School and Community Safety Zones. Though these designated school safety zones and community safety zones have proven to be helpful for improving road safety, the use of Automated Speed Enforcement should be expanded beyond those zones. Both Motion MM25.24 and Motion MM34.38 noted the increase during the pandemic of dangerous driving on highways in Toronto. The Province should be asked to allow the City to develop and implement an Automated Speed Enforcement program that would help to make those roads safer as well.

2. City Council request the Government of Ontario to revise the Highway Traffic Act to allow the use of Automated Speed Enforcement on all roads including those with speed limits of 80 kilometres per hour and over.