​​​BRAMPTON, ON – Speeding puts lives at risk and Brampton residents are demanding action. From schools to senior centres, unsafe driving remains one of the most frequent and urgent concerns raised by the community. In response, the City of Brampton is stepping up enforcement and pushing back against dangerous driving through various traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, road signage and through its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)​ program.

The facts are clear, ASE works. Backed by compelling data and international research, these cameras are helping to slow drivers down in Brampton and in every community they serve. Consistent with the City and Region’s support for Vision Zero, no loss of life is acceptable, and ASE cameras are proven to help prevent devastating collisions, often by simply reminding motorists to obey the posted speed limit.

At a Community Safety Telephone Town Hall hosted by the City and Peel Regional Police last night, 86 per cent of Brampton residents said they support the use of ASE in Community Safety Zones, areas such as schools and parks, where vulnerable people are most at risk. This strong show of support reflects the community’s commitment to safer streets and the importance of reducing speeding in high-risk areas.

“As a father of two young children, I take the safety of our streets personally, and I know many Brampton families feel the same. During yesterday’s Community Safety Telephone Town Hall, I heard from approximately 5,455 households, and the overwhelming message was clear, Brampton has zero tolerance for speeding in areas where people are most at risk,” said Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton. “In fact, 86 per cent of participants said they support the use of Automated Speed Enforcement at all times in Community Safety Zones. These are places where children play, seniors cross the street and families walk to school. We will not compromise when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable. ASE is working. It is slowing drivers down, preventing collisions and saving lives.” 

Yesterday, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) South Central Ontario announced new findings in a study they conducted, which states that approximately 73 per cent of Ontario drivers slow down when nearing an ASE camera, indicating positive changes in driver behaviour due to this program. Further, 52 per cent of drivers said they are unlikely to speed up after passing through an area enforced by ASE, which has increased from 44 per cent in 2023. 

As awareness of ASE grows, so do questions and misconceptions about how it works and who it impacts. Here are some of the most common myths and the facts to help set the record straight.

Speeding increases the risk of serious injury or death. Slowing down, especially in Community Safety Zones, helps protect everyone on the road. Credit: Shutterstock

Myth: ASE is ineffective or unnecessary. The City of Brampton should remove all the cameras.

​The data is in and it overwhelmingly supports the effectiveness and impact of ASE. In Brampton, ASE data is demonstrating meaningful change, with a reduction of up to 18 km/h in vehicle speeds across several ASE sites. These are not just numbers, slower speeds translate to fewer accidents, safer streets and saved lives.

A landmark study, conducted by the City of Toronto in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University and Sick Kids Hospital, shows a 45 per cent reduction in the risk of vehicles exceeding speed limits where ASE is present and a decrease of 7.44 km/h in the 85th percentile vehicle speed (the speed at or below which 85 per cent of all vehicles are observed travelling under free-flowing conditions) after implementing ASE. 

Proven results across North America also show that ASE leads to significant reductions in speeding and collisions. Studies from Quebec, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg consistently demonstrate declines in vehicle speeds, fewer injuries and fewer serious crashes. 

Further, a 2016 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that the proportion of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour decreased within just six to eight months of implementing ASE by:

• 70 per cent in Arizona
• 88 per cent in Maryland
• 82 per cent in Washington, D.C.
  

Changing driver behaviour is at the heart of the ASE program, because every reduced speeding incident is a potential life saved. Slowing down, even a few kilometres per hour, can mean the difference between a close call and a fatal collision. The City of Brampton remains committed to implementing this life-saving tool to build safer streets for everyone.

“The data clearly shows that Automated Speed Enforcement is making a difference in Brampton. It slows drivers down, prevents collisions and saves lives,” said Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor for Wards 1 and 5 and Chair of Legislative Services Section, City of Brampton. “This is about more than just enforcement – it is about building safer, more livable neighbourhoods for everyone. The overwhelming support we have seen from our residents proves that Brampton is united in its vision for safer streets, and ASE is a critical tool in achieving that goal.”

​Myth: ASE cameras are only installed in school zones and operational during school hours, so you will not get a ticket if you are speeding in the evening or on weekends.

Speeding is not limited to school hours, which is why continuous enforcement is essential. It provides a consistent deterrent, reinforces safe driving habits and helps protect vulnerable residents at all times of day. More than 69 per cent of Brampton residents expressed support for the use of ASE cameras on evenings and weekends, reinforcing the community’s belief that safety should never be limited to a specific time of day.

These cameras are installed in designated Community Safety Zones, areas with high pedestrian activity where speeding poses a greater risk to vulnerable road users, including children and seniors. While this includes areas around schools, it also extends to roadways near daycare centres, playgrounds, parks, hospitals and senior residences.

To promote transparency and fairness, and as required by the Ministry of Transportation, signs are posted at all entry points to Community Safety Zones, and notice of upcoming camera activation is provided at least 90 days in advance. This gives drivers plenty of time to become aware of the zone and adjust their speed, supporting the program’s main goal: to reduce speeding and save lives. If a driver is in doubt about whether they are in a Community Safety Zone, always obey the posted speed limit.

Further, ASE camera locations are posted on the City of Brampton’s website at brampton.ca/ASE, allowing residents to stay informed about where cameras are situated, further reinforcing the commitment to transparency. 

Road safety signs like these help road users identify Community Safety Zones and areas where ASE cameras may be active. Credit: City of Brampton

Myth: Automated speed cameras unfairly impact everyday drivers, especially during times of financial stress. It is just a way for the City to make money.

The purpose of Brampton’s ASE program is safety, not revenue generation. The program is designed to protect lives by encouraging drivers to slow down and follow the posted speed limit. Revenues generated through this program are used to cover operating costs, ensuring the program is self-sustaining. Any surplus revenue will support other initiatives, including investments in community and road safety and associated educational programs.

The goal of the program is not to penalize drivers, but to encourage positive changes to driving habits, eliminate dangerous speeding and reduce the likelihood of serious or fatal collisions. Speed limit enforcement is key to behaviour change and individuals who drive at or near the speed limit will not receive a ticket.

Community safety is a shared responsibility. The ASE program is a long-term investment in safer roads, and every driver who slows down helps protect their neighbours, their community and themselves.

Myth: Driving above the speed limit is not a big deal. It is unfair to get a ticket for going just one km/h over the posted limit.

​Even small increases in speeding above the posted limit can have serious consequences and ASE is a proven life-saving tool to protect all road users. 

According to research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of injury or death rises significantly with each kilometre over the limit, especially in areas where children, seniors and other vulnerable road users are present. The faster a vehicle is moving on the road, the more likely it is to be involved in a crash. Every one km/h increase in speed results in a three per cent increase in crashes resulting in an injury and up to five per cent increase in fatal crashes.

Brampton’s ASE program only issues tickets when drivers exceed the posted speed limit, which is carefully set to reflect the road environment and protect everyone’s safety. To preserve the fairness and effectiveness of the program in reducing speeding, the City of Brampton does not publicly disclose the specific speed threshold. 

The most effective way to prevent receiving an ASE ticket is by simply obeying the posted speed limit at all times.

“Automated Speed Enforcement is a key component of the City of Brampton’s approach to improving road safety and is fully aligned with the principles of Vision Zero. It is one of the most effective tools in our toolbox in reducing speeding and protecting the most vulnerable people on our roads,” said Michael Kralt, Director, Automated Speed Enforcement, City of Brampton. “The data is clear. When cameras are installed, speeds decrease, and that leads to fewer collisions and fewer injuries. Our focus is on changing driver behaviour through education, awareness and accountability. Even a small reduction in speed can mean the difference between a close call and a life-changing tragedy. ASE is not about punishment or revenue, it is about prevention and building a safer Brampton for everyone.”

​Myth: ASE Cameras do not actually make roads safer. Speed bumps are more effective at slowing traffic down.

​The City is taking a comprehensive approach to road safety and has installed a suite of traffic calming measures, including speed bumps, across the City. While speed bumps can help reduce speeds on certain local roads, they are not always suitable for every road. In contrast, ASE provides consistent, measurable results without physically altering the road. In Brampton, data shows a reduction of up to 18 km/h in vehicle speeds across several ASE sites. This is an effective tool for improving road safety city-wide. 

Myth: I got an ASE ticket. Now I will get demerit points and my auto insurance rates will increase. 

​ASE tickets are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, not the driver. They do not result in demerit points or impact your auto insurance.

However, ASE tickets are enforceable under the Highway Traffic Act and must be addressed. Ignoring them can lead to late fees and prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration until the fine is resolved.

The best way to avoid a ticket is to follow the posted speed limits. If you do receive one, it is a chance to reflect, adjust your driving habits and contribute to making Brampton’s roads safer for everyone.

Myth: ASE cameras violate privacy by capturing video footage or storing unnecessary personal data.

Brampton’s ASE camera systems only capture still images of the vehicle and licence plate when a speeding violation occurs. They do not record video, nor do they capture images of drivers or passengers. All data is encrypted and securely stored, accessed only by trained and certified City staff, adhering to comprehensive privacy protections and safeguards.

Community safety reminder: ASE ticket fraud prevention

The City of Brampton is reminding drivers and vehicle owners to remain vigilant about potential text message scams involving ASE tickets. 

ASE tickets are never sent by text message. Fines are only issued by mail to the address to which the vehicle licence plate is registered. To pay a fine online, visit the City of Brampton website. The City does not solicit third-party websites for penalty payments. 

Individuals who receive text messages about ASE tickets should not click on any links and are encouraged to report it to Peel Regional Police​ ​ by visiting their nearest station. Such fraud reports are not taken over the phone. ​

Sources: 

•  Corporate News and Media Release - CAA South Central Ontario
• CITY OF TORONTO Automated Speed Enforcement Program Evaluation
•  speed-management-flyer.pdf
• Frequently asked Questions​

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