Speeders beware: Windsor eyes automated speed cameras

The City of Windsor is considering speed cameras after an administrative report recommended the technology. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell shares the details.

The City of Windsor is considering the implementation of an Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program to address speeding concerns.

An administrative report recommends deploying ASE systems, which utilize cameras and speed detection devices to capture images of vehicles exceeding speed limits.

These images are reviewed by municipal processing centres, and if a violation is confirmed, a penalty is issued to the vehicle’s owner.

Ward 4 Councillor Mark McKenzie emphasizes that the ASE initiative serves as an additional traffic calming measure, acknowledging the impracticality of stationing police officers at every intersection to monitor speeders.

The proposed program is estimated to cost approximately $1.27 million annually, covering equipment, warning signage, and administrative expenses related to ticket processing. Data suggests that five mobile cameras could generate around 23,000 penalty notices per year.

“We do think that we’ll end up getting more in revenue to at least cover those costs and probably get a bit of profit off of it as well,” said McKenzie.

“Right? I’m not going to beat around the bush. There is going to be some profit made. And that was just like the red light cameras. But again, if you’re not breaking the law, you have nothing to worry about.”

If approved, the ASE cameras would be installed in community safety zones, school zones, and areas surrounding parks and community centres.

McKenzie identified Ypres Avenue as a prime location for a camera, noting that despite a 40 km/h speed limit, the average speed recorded is 62 km/h, with some instances reaching up to 90 km/h.

“I think it’s a perfect example of where we could implement a speed camera where we know people are speeding, where it’s been an issue for 30, 40 years, and hopefully we can address it,” he said.

McKenzie also pointed out that while speed humps affect all drivers, ASE targets only those who exceed speed limits, making it a more focused approach to enhancing safety near schools, parks, and community hubs.

The Ontario government authorized the use of ASE under the Highway Traffic Act in 2019. The Environment, Transportation, and Public Safety Standing Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposal in a meeting at city hall on Wednesday afternoon.