Two new automated speed enforcement cameras coming to Caledon

By Zachary Roman

The Town of Caledon is enlisting the help of some modern technology to crack down on those not obeying posted speed limits.

On April 24, the Town announced two new automated speed enforcement cameras will soon be implemented in Town. The first will be located in Bolton on Columbia Way, and the second will be located in Southfields Village on Kennedy Road.

These two new cameras will complement the Region of Peel's automated speed enforcement camera that it uses to patrol regional roads in Caledon.

While the first locations of the new cameras have been decided, the cameras will not stay there permanently as they will be rotating throughout community safety zones in Caledon where excessive vehicle speed is a concern.

In May, signage will appear on Columbia Way and Kennedy Road to notify drivers that automated speed enforcement cameras are coming to those roads. After 90 days of this signage being posted, the cameras will go live and begin taking pictures of drivers that are going over the speed limit.

If a vehicle is faster than the speed limit in an automated speed enforcement area, the camera posted there will take a picture of the vehicle as it goes by. This picture will be stored and reviewed by a provincial offences officer.

Within 30 days, the driver who was speeding will receive a copy of this picture, including an enlarged picture of their license plate, in the mail alongside information on how to pay the ticket they've been given. Drivers cannot lose demerit points as a result of an automated speed enforcement ticket.

Mayor Annette Groves said automated speed enforcement technology is a proven way to get drivers to slow down.

“These cameras will improve safety in our Community Safety Zones near the schools our children attend and where families, seniors and children walk, bike and play,” said Groves. “Safety in these areas is of great importance.”

Arash Olia, Caledon's Manager of Transportation Engineering, agreed and said the Town is ready to roll out the cameras.

“This is a crucial advancement that will improve traffic safety and reduce speeding where it matters the most,” said Olia. “We are confident that speed cameras are an effective strategy for improving motorist behaviour and benefit the local community.”

Caledon Council unanimously approved the purchase and use of the two new automated speed enforcement cameras at its February 7 General Committee meeting. Caledon Council had first instructed Town staff to develop an automated speed enforcement program in 2022.

A report submitted to Council by Olia at the February 7 meeting said that Town staff project that running the automated speed enforcement program will cost $241,000 per year, and that a new staff member will be hired to help run the program.