The City of Greater Sudbury will deactivate its six speed cameras on November 14, coinciding with the implementation of an Ontario prohibition on such traffic-calming devices. Initially launched in March 2024, these mobile cameras rotated locations every few months. In their debut year, they amassed $750,000 in earnings, which were allocated by the city towards various traffic-calming initiatives and road enhancements like speed bumps.
According to Joe Rocca, the city’s director of linear infrastructure services, the cameras are anticipated to generate $2.4 million in revenue in 2025 before being disabled in mid-November. Despite facing controversy and being frequently toppled, Rocca emphasized the cameras’ effectiveness in reducing speed in designated areas, shedding light on the prevalent issue of speeding on multiple roads.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria affirmed plans to collaborate with municipalities in the coming weeks to explore alternative funding and strategies for enhancing traffic calming. While Greater Sudbury is awaiting details on these additional measures, Rocca expressed readiness to participate in any forthcoming programs to enhance road safety in suitable locations where traditional traffic calming methods may not be feasible due to higher speed limits.
Rocca highlighted the efficiency of speed cameras in locations where speed bumps or similar measures are impractical due to speed limit considerations. Additionally, ongoing discussions with the city’s speed camera provider are underway regarding the cancellation of the existing contract. The provincial legislation includes provisions to safeguard municipalities from financial repercussions stemming from the statewide speed camera ban.