Full Breakdown
Speeding Surge on Parkside Drive After Automated Camera Ban
By Drooid · · How we work
Rising Speeding on a Key Toronto Corridor
New data from the City of Toronto’s open-data portal show that 3,675 vehicles were recorded traveling 60 km/h or faster on Parkside Drive in July 2026, compared with 556 in July 2025. The provincial ban on automated speed-enforcement cameras, enacted in November 2025, coincides with a 560 percent increase in vehicles exceeding the 40 km/h limit on this residential street.
Data Overview
- Speeding counts: 3,675 vehicles (>=60 km/h) in July 2026 vs. 556 in July 2025 – 560 % rise.
- Earlier trend: May 2026 data indicated a >200 % surge in speeding from January to April.
- Ticket argument: The provincial government cited 70,000 tickets issued by the former Parkside Drive camera as evidence that the system “did not slow drivers down.”
Official Statements & Responses
Premier Doug Ford argued that physical traffic-calming measures are more effective than cameras, stating that “roundabouts and speed bumps have guarantees to slow people down. Simple as that.” He suggested redesigning Parkside Drive with such features.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow countered that speed cameras remain essential, especially on arterial roads where speed bumps would impede emergency vehicles. She emphasized protecting children and vulnerable road users, saying “speed kills” and urging municipalities to push for camera reinstatement.
A spokesperson for Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria noted that Toronto has received over $10 million from the provincial $210 million Road Safety Initiative Fund for redesign projects, but the city has not yet applied for the second round of funding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To the surprise of nobody, the streets around our schools and parks, where most speed cameras were stationed, have become vastly more dangerous,” — Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of community group Safe Parkside
- “We’re seeing the effects of a 560 percent increase in speeding,” — Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of community group Safe Parkside
- “Roundabouts and speed bumps have guarantees to slow people down. Simple as that,” — Doug Ford