Despite the Ontario government passing legislation to eliminate automated speed enforcement, many speed cameras in Newmarket, Stouffville and across York Region are still visible — and some could remain even after they stop issuing tickets.
The law received royal assent on Nov. 3, but municipalities have until Nov. 14 to wind down their programs. Until then, cameras remain legally active and fines can still be issued.
York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey said the region is coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation to update signage and will return the 40-plus leased cameras to the vendor over time. Newmarket and Stouffville, meanwhile, have not yet decided whether they will physically remove their units. Even if deactivated, the cameras could continue to collect speed data to support future road safety planning.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor has strongly supported the cameras, especially near schools, noting they led to a 75 per cent reduction in speeding. He emphasized the program was about safety, not revenue.
Stouffville saw similar results, issuing over 40,000 tickets between March 17 and September 30, and reporting a 50 per cent drop in speeding in school zones with cameras. Mayor Iain Lovatt has also urged the province to reconsider, calling the cameras the most effective measure for slowing drivers.
For now, the cameras will stop ticketing on Nov. 14 — but their future presence, at least as speed deterrents, remains uncertain across much of York Region.
