An Ontario city paused its auto speed cameras after issuing 32,000+ fines in 3 weeks

A city in Ontario has paused its automatic speed camera program after it issued over 32,000 speeding tickets in just three weeks.

On June 4, the City of Vaughan approved a motion to temporarily halt new fines under its automated speed enforcement program while the initiative undergoes a summer review to improve its rollout.

Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca introduced the motion to pause the program until September, giving staff time to report back to the council with recommendations on improving signage, warning notices, and pavement markings.

The pause took effect on June 4 at 5 p.m.

Introduced in April, Vaughan's automated speed enforcement system uses cameras and speed detection technology to monitor vehicles in community safety zones, including areas near schools and daycare centres.

The program is a core component of the City's MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy, which is designed to improve road safety, modernize the municipal road network, and support the growth of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to foster more integrated, connected communities.

When a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, the system captures an image, which is then reviewed by a provincial offences officer. If the violation is confirmed, a ticket — including a photo of the vehicle, its licence plate, and the fine amount — is mailed to the registered owner.

There were 10 automatic speed cameras in operation before the pause. They would be rotated between 20 locations every quarter during the first year.

Rotation 1

1. St. Joan of Arc Avenue
2. Melville Avenue
3. Kipling Avenue
4. Crofters Road
5. Ansley Grove Road
6. Davos Road
7. Pleasant Ridge Avenue
8. Peter Rupert Avenue
9. New Westminster Drive
10. Hilda Avenue

Rotation 2

1. Julliard Drive
2. Ravineview Drive
3. Forest Fountain Drive
4. Woodbridge Avenue
5. Blue Willow Drive
6. Vellore Woods Boulevard
7. Thornhill Woods Drive
8. Ilan Ramon Boulevard
9. Westmount Boulevard
10. Joseph Aaron Boulevard

However, the program's rapid success has presented challenges for city officials and drivers, as the volume of tickets quickly became overwhelming.

According to Global News, a report brought before the council showed that 12,733 drivers were caught speeding during the program's first week, followed by 11,769 tickets issued in the second week. By the third, that number had dropped to 7,504.

A single camera on New Westminster Drive was responsible for nearly one-third of all tickets issued, generating 9,877 penalty orders.

Despite this pause, penalty orders issued before 5 p.m. on June 4 remain valid.

Drivers who received a ticket previously still have two options: pay the fine as instructed on the penalty notice or request a screening to appeal the penalty.

Even though fines have been paused, you should still drive safely through Vaughan and the rest of the province.

Watch your speed, Ontario!