Back to School in Toronto: Navigating the Speeding Gap Without Camera Oversight

As we head into a new school year, the streets of Toronto will once again see a rise in drivers speeding through school zones. This September, the city is without the automated speed cameras that have been a part of the landscape since 2020. The removal of these cameras has led to a significant increase in speeding, with the number of drivers traveling 16 km/h or more over the limit rising by 380 percent in the months following their shutdown. Parents and drivers need to be aware of the new rules and the heightened risks.

The City of Toronto report highlights the stark increase in speeding, with drivers going 11 to 15 km/h over the limit up by 270 percent. The province has promised to address this issue with flashing signs and a $210 million fund for infrastructure improvements, but the reality is that the enforcement gap is wide, and the city is relying heavily on its police force to fill this void.

While the law itself hasn't changed, it's crucial for parents and drivers to know that fines are doubled in community safety zones, which include most school zones. The enforcement blitzes by the Toronto Police continue, but the absence of speed cameras means that more attention and vigilance are needed to keep our children safe.