Statement from Tim Gray, Executive Director

Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat –  Premier Ford’s plan to remove speed cameras is reckless, not only because it makes our streets more dangerous, but also because it is another way that he is prioritizing private cars over people and the planet. Speed cameras save lives by slowing down traffic and protecting vulnerable road users like children and seniors.

Premier Ford claims municipalities should redesign streets to lower speeds naturally instead of relying on cameras. But at the same time, the Ontario government’s own Bill 212 prohibits the most effective tools for doing that: lane reductions, physical barriers and other proven traffic-calming measures. In fact, courts have already found parts of Bill 212 unconstitutional, citing how it puts pedestrians and cyclists at increased risk. Now, the government is doubling down and threatening the limited tools cities have left to address dangerous driving and car pollution.

This is not just a road safety issue. By blocking safe street designs that support walking, biking, and transit, Bill 212 also undermines climate action. Urban transportation makes up nearly a third of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing those emissions depends on shifting travel away from private cars. Safe, people-friendly streets are critical to that shift. Instead, the Ontario government is pushing for more car-centric sprawl, locking us into more emissions, pollution and congestion.

We need leadership that prioritizes safe streets and climate action ahead of reckless, car-centric laws and policies.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Lauren Thomas, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca