I wanted to provide the community with an update on the recent Provincial announcement with regard to banning the use of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Cameras.
As many of you know, the City of Ottawa has been investing in ASE technology since 2020 in an effort to address the many incidents of speeding we see regularly on our roads. As your City Councillor, I can tell you firsthand that speeding and road safety is one of the top concerns I hear from residents daily. While the use of ASE technology can be controversial, its effectiveness at reducing speed and improving road safety cannot be disputed.
Here are the facts as they pertain to our city:
Since 2020, Ottawa’s ASE program has grown to 50 cameras:
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Speed limit compliance has risen from 16% before cameras to 81% after three years.
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High-end speeding (15+ km/h over) has dropped from 14% of drivers to just 0.7%.
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More than 80% of residents support ASE in school zones and near parks
The program has also generated $97.5 million since launch, reinvested directly into road safety, including:
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More crossing guards and temporary traffic calming.
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Safer school zones and cycling infrastructure.
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Rural road upgrades, including rumble strips and intersection improvements.
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New traffic signals, roundabouts, and pedestrian crossovers.
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Support for Ottawa Police traffic enforcement.
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If the Province is successful at banning the use of ASE in its entirety, there will be significant impact on public safety. To that end, I will continue to advocate for evidence-based measures that keep our community safe.
