Speeding incidents in Toronto increased sharply after the Ontario government disabled automated speed‑camera programs in November 2025. The decision, announced by Premier Doug Ford's administration, ended the use of speed‑camera technology across all municipalities in the province, including the city of Toronto.
The removal of the cameras was part of a broader policy shift by the Ford government, which argued that the programs were no longer appropriate for the province. The policy change was implemented simultaneously in every Ontario municipality, ending a long‑standing traffic‑enforcement tool that had been in place in many cities for years.
Toronto police reported a noticeable uptick in the number of drivers exceeding posted speed limits shortly after the cameras were turned off. The rise was described as sharp, indicating a rapid change in driver behavior in the weeks following the policy implementation. Law‑enforcement officials noted that the absence of automated monitoring removed a deterrent that had previously contributed to compliance with speed limits.
The province's decision sparked controversy among road‑safety advocates and municipal officials. Critics argued that eliminating the cameras could undermine efforts to reduce dangerous driving and increase the risk of collisions. Supporters of the move contended that the cameras represented an unnecessary intrusion and that resources could be redirected to other safety measures.
Toronto's municipal government has yet to announce any alternative strategies to address the recent increase in speeding. The city continues to rely on traditional police patrols and other enforcement methods to promote road safety. The situation remains under observation as authorities assess the longer‑term impact of the province’s policy change on traffic safety across the region.
The rise in speeding incidents in Toronto highlights the immediate effect of the provincial government's November 2025 decision to end automated speed‑camera programs, a move that continues to generate public debate about the best approach to road safety in Ontario.