October 6, 2025

As leaders representing Ontario’s four publicly funded school board associations, we are united in our concern about the province’s proposal to eliminate automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras in school safety zones.

These cameras have been shown to be one of the most effective tools available to keep children and families safe near schools. Research led by SickKids Hospital and Toronto Metropolitan University found ASE reduced speeding in school zones by nearly 45%, with meaningful drops in the most dangerous high-end speeds. Paediatric specialists have been clear: speed is the single most important factor in whether a child survives a collision.

We share the concerns raised by municipal councils, community leaders, public health experts, and law enforcement organizations about the potential loss of this important safety tool.

We recognize concerns raised by the Premier and some mayors about fairness, thresholds, and revenues. But those issues can and should be addressed through policy changes and safeguards, not by dismantling a proven, life-saving safety system.

When it comes to protecting children in school safety zones, we must take every possible precaution. Slowing drivers down around schools reduces the risk of tragedy and keeps students and their families safer.

We call on the provincial government to improve and refine ASE, not eliminate it. We urge the province to work collaboratively with the people who know their communities well – local municipalities, local school boards, local law enforcement, and local public health. Our children deserve the strongest protections we can provide.

Quotes

Kathleen Woodcock, President, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA):

“Every parent wants their child to get to and from school safely. Cameras slow drivers down where it matters most, around schools and in community safety zones.”

Michael Bellmore, President, Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA):

“The evidence is clear: automated speed enforcement in school safety zones works. If concerns exist about fairness or revenues, let’s fix them through policy. But let’s not take away one of the most effective tools we have to keep students safe.”

Denis Labelle, Président, Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO):

“Student safety is a top priority in our communities. The government must work with us to strengthen these tools, not eliminate them.”

Robert Demers, Président, Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC):

“Automated speed enforcement cameras are not a matter of revenue, but of safety. They save lives, and we must improve how we use them, not abolish them.”

For more information, please contact:

Shane Gonsalves
Managing Director, Government and Public Affairs, OPSBA
sgonsalves@opsba.org 

T.J. Goertz
Manager of Strategic Communications, OPSBA
tgoertz@opsba.org