Caledon, Peel Region introducing new Automated Speed Enforcement cameras

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Lead-footed drivers around Caledon will have to watch out for more than just police cruisers if they want to avoid being hit with a hefty fine from now on, after the municipality installed its first Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera in the community this week. 

The first location to be loaded up with an ASE camera is Old Church Road, near Robert F. Hall Catholic School. 

The ASE program uses a camera to measure speed to improve and help enforce speed limits in school and community safety zones. Officials hope this will encourage drivers to slow down where there are children or residents walking, running, playing, cycling and just generally being out and about in their community. 

Back in April, warning signs were put up letting community members know that the program was coming to Caledon, whereas now installations are being completed. 

The Town of Caledon and Region of Peel have identified five other locations where cameras will be set up for the ASE program. 

These locations include Caledon East Public School on Airport Rd., Herb Campbell Public School on King St., Caledon Central Public School on Charleston Sideroad, Palgrave Public School on Highway 50 and Alton Public School on Main St.

“Safety on our streets is so important and using ASE is one way to help ensure vehicles are not speeding,” says Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “As we are all driving around in Caledon, I encourage motorists to please drive according to the speed limit and road conditions. If you're riding your bicycle or walking, be sure to follow the appropriate rules and always be aware of your surroundings.”

The signs that flash lights and demand maximum speed limit at 40 km, will be changed to permanent signs and will include some other minor changes.

The program was released in Ontario this past Spring for participating municipalities to protect vulnerable persons in communities. It was first implemented in Saskatchewan during a pilot project from 2014 to 2017, which brought impressive results of decreased speed in school zones. Approximately 56 per cent of residents in Saskatchewan said they wanted to continue the program, while 93 per cent wanted it to expand. 

Other parts of Ontario are looking to bring forward the program including Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville, just to name a few. 

“Speed enforcement is a reminder that we all need to slow down to keep our communities safe,” said Terry Ricketts, Director of Transportation, Region of Peel.  “The automated speed enforcement program will help increase public awareness about the critical need to slow down in school zones and community safety zones, change driver behaviour and ultimately improve road user safety.”

The cameras capture images of vehicles who are speeding in these safety zones. The images are then sent to Provincial Offence Officers, who review the images. Tickets are then sent to the owner's address. Demerit points are not added to the owner's license and their driving records will not be affected. 

To learn more about the Automated Speed Enforcement program, please visit Caledon.ca or aseontario.com.