Latest news with #CAASouthCentralOntario
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Love or hate Ontario speed cameras? What people are saying about new CAA survey
Not all Ontario drivers like the idea of speed cameras, but they are apparently working to slow down excessive speeding, a new CAA survey reveals. CAA South Central Ontario polled 1,500 drivers from March 7 to 19 , and learned almost one in four had already been ticketed by one of the province's automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras. Although ticketing has increased, driving habits have changed because of speed camera use, CAA found. CAA also noted 83 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed someone speeding, with 43 per cent admitting they had exceeded speed limits while behind the wheel. In a recent Reddit thread , a user shared the results of the CAA survey, which showed 73 per cent of drivers support speed cameras. According to the province, there are now 43 municipalities in Ontario using automated speed enforcement after they were authorized in 2017. 'Ontario's ASE framework is designed to decrease speeding and increase safety,' the province said in an earlier email to Metroland Media. 'It allows municipalities to use camera-based enforcement in designated school and community safety zones, where speed limits are under 80 km/h and there is a risk of speed-related collisions or the presence of vulnerable pedestrians.' However, the province doesn't enforce or regulate the cameras. And many drivers have expressed frustration about the cameras. Disclaimer: Reader survey results are not scientific. As the informal findings of a survey presented to the readers of this site, they reflect the opinions of those who have chosen to participate. The survey is available online to anyone interested in taking it. This poll does not restrict the number of votes each person can cast. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Are Ontario speed cameras changing driver behaviour? Here's what a new survey revealed
Like it or not, automated speed enforcement (ASE) appears to be making positive changes in driver behaviour, according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). New findings from CAA South Central Ontario suggest automated speed enforcement, also known as photo radar, is prompting drivers to slow down or avoid areas with speed cameras altogether. Survey results released July 23 show 23 per cent of Ontario residents have received a ticket from an ASE camera this year, up from 17 per cent in 2024. Anger toward speed cameras has boiled over in some communities, with reports of vandalized cameras in Oakville and a petition in Brampton demanding the cameras be removed. While ticket volumes have increased, Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) said the speed cameras have generally helped to make the roads safer. 'When drivers choose to slow down or change their routes because of photo radar, it means the technology is doing what it's meant to, reminding us to be more mindful behind the wheel,' he said in a media release . The survey reveals most Ontario drivers (73 per cent) slow down when nearing an ASE camera and more than half (52 per cent) say they are unlikely to speed up after they pass through an ASE zone. The latter increased from 44 per cent in 2023. The survey also determined nearly half of drivers (46 per cent) avoid driving on roads with known speed cameras. 'These insights show how useful a tool ASE cameras can be,' Stewart added. 'This technology isn't about 'gotcha' moments; it's about preventing real harm and changing driver behaviour.' While drivers hate to be ticketed, the CAA survey finds widespread support for speed cameras in school zones. Nearly three-quarters of Ontario drivers (73 per cent) support the use of ASE in target areas such as school zones or near community centres and 76 per cent of Ontarians believe cameras deter speeding, the survey suggests. 'Our research shows that ASE continues to have strong public support and can be effective in getting drivers to change their behaviour. While speed cameras may not solve every road safety issue overnight, they play an important role in nudging driver behaviour in a safer direction,' Stewart added. CAA warns however, that to promote public acceptance of speed cameras, municipalities should focus on road safety benefits, while downplaying the cash grab perception. 'These cameras should never be used as a revenue generator, but rather, as a method to help protect road users and encourage safer driving habits,' Stewart said. 'CAA SCO will continue to advocate for standardized practices across municipalities regarding ASE cameras to ensure effectiveness across our communities.' According to provincial legislation , speeding one to 19 km/h over the maximum speed limit in a community safety zone or school zone will cost you $5 per kilometre, plus an administrative penalty. Travelling 20 to 29 km/h over the limit nets a fine of $7.50 per kilometre. Thirty to 49 km/h over the limit results in a fine of $12 per kilometre. Fifty km/h over nets a fine of $19.50 per kilometre. Driving 40 km/h or more over the speed limit on roads with a speed limit less than 80 km/h can also result in stunt driving charges . The penalties include an immediate 30-day driver's licence suspension, 14-day vehicle impoundment, a minimum fine of $2,000 and six demerit points upon conviction. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Caught on Camera: CAA study finds more drivers are slowing down for speed cameras, with more drivers ticketed
THORNHILL, ON, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - New findings from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) show that Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is changing driver behaviour. According to the research, ASE cameras are influencing habit changes in drivers in two ways: drivers are either slowing down or avoiding ASE cameras altogether. "When drivers choose to slow down or change their routes because of photo radar, it means the technology is doing what it's meant to, reminding us to be more mindful behind the wheel," says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. The data states that nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of Ontario drivers have received a ticket from an ASE camera, compared to 17 per cent in 2024. Although ticketing has increased, positive behavioural shifts have occurred because of ASE use. According to the survey, a majority of Ontario drivers (73 per cent) slow down when nearing an ASE camera and over half (52 per cent) shared that they are unlikely to speed up after they pass through an ASE zone; up from 44 per cent in 2023, demonstrating that the presence of ASEs is positively shifting driver behaviour in these areas. It also found that nearly half of drivers (46 per cent) avoid driving on roads with ASE in use. "These insights show how useful a tool ASE cameras can be," says Stewart. "This technology isn't about 'gotcha' moments; it's about preventing real harm and changing driver behaviour." Drivers support the use of ASE cameras in school zones Despite the increased ticketing in Ontario this year, many drivers support the use of ASE cameras, especially in school zones or areas with vulnerable road users. Nearly three-quarters of Ontario drivers (73 per cent) support the use of ASE in target areas such as school zones or near community centres. In fact, 76 per cent of Ontarians believe that cameras deter speeding altogether. "Our research shows that ASE continues to have strong public support and can be effective in getting drivers to change their behaviour. While speed cameras may not solve every road safety issue overnight, they play an important role in nudging driver behaviour in a safer direction," adds Stewart. Public support for ASE use is no surprise, as speeding remains one of Ontario's most reported dangerous driving behaviours, with 40 per cent of drivers admitting to it in the past year. While ASE cameras are widely supported in community safety zones, CAA SCO recommends that any future expansion into other areas must be thoughtfully considered. "These cameras should never be used as a revenue generator, but rather, as a method to help protect road users and encourage safer driving habits," says Stewart. "CAA SCO will continue to advocate for standardized practices across municipalities regarding ASE cameras to ensure effectiveness across our communities." For more information on speeding and dangerous driving, please visit: The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from March 7 to March 19, 2025, with 1,500 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,500 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.) About CAA South Central Ontario As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of over 2.6 million Members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads. SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
New study reveals pedestrians and cyclists face high-risk near-misses every day in Canada
"The findings are clear, near-misses are not isolated events; they are daily warnings that demand attention," says Teresa Di Felice, Assistant Vice President of Government & Community Relations at CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO). "The results of this study create an opportunity to proactively assess intersection design and implement measures that enhance safety for all road users." Partnering with Miovision, the study used cameras and AI to monitor and analyze intersections across Canada in real time. Shockingly, one in every 770 pedestrians and one in every 500 cyclists experience a high-risk or critical near-miss. Near-Misses Are Predictors of Future Collisions The study found that near misses most often involved vehicles making a right turn. More than half (55 per cent of pedestrians and 50 per cent of cyclists) had a close call with a vehicle. More than a third (34 per cent of pedestrians and 36 per cent of cyclists) were involved in conflict with a left-turning vehicle. Most Canadian intersections accommodate thousands of pedestrians daily, meaning at least three serious incidents occur at a single location every day. "These aren't just close calls; they are collisions waiting to happen," says Di Felice. "By pinpointing near-miss hotspots, municipalities can now prioritize upgrades that prevent collisions before they happen." The study highlights key design features proven to reduce near-misses, including: Dedicated left-turn lanes to prevent dangerous interactions. Leading pedestrian intervals, allowing pedestrians to start crossing before vehicles move. Advanced green lights for left-turning vehicles, reducing hesitation and confusion. Cities that implement these solutions can dramatically decrease the risk of collisions and make their streets safer for all road users. Traditional road safety measures rely on collision data, meaning changes only happen after injuries occur. Near-miss tracking is the next step in proactive safety planning, allowing experts to prevent crashes before they happen. CAA is urging municipal and provincial leaders to embrace technology-driven safety monitoring, citing the compelling benefits revealed by this study. Data was collected using 360-degree cameras at intersections of various designs across seven provinces, including Nova Scotia, Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Using AI-powered video analytics, Miovison was able to detect near misses and assess risk levels based on vehicle speed and trajectory. The study's detailed findings can be found here: Media B-roll can be found here: About CAA South Central Ontario As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of over 2.6 million Members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hamilton's Aberdeen Avenue named CAA's Worst Road in Ontario for a second year in a row
THORNHILL, ON, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Ontarians have spoken, and the results are in. For a second consecutive year, the 2025 CAA Worst Road in Ontario is Aberdeen Avenue in Hamilton. Frustrations with potholes and poor road maintenance have kept this road in the number one spot. It first debuted on the top regional list for Hamilton in 2021 and moved onto the provincial list in 2023. In second and third place are Barton Street East in Hamilton and County Road 49 in Prince Edward County, two roads that have previously appeared on the CAA Worst Roads top 10 list six and seven times, respectively. Both roads are expected to receive significant upgrades and are in the planning stages. "Timely repairs, better communication, quick fixes, pothole funds, and using recycled aggregates are just some solutions to fix unsafe roads," says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president of government and community relations, CAA South Central Ontario. "CAA continues to urge all levels of government to prioritize road safety with stable funding to do so." This year, participants nominated over 2,400 different roads from 208 municipalities, up respectively from 2,000 roads from 145 municipalities in 2024 – a 20 per cent increase in roads nominated and a 42 per cent increase in the number of municipalities with roads nominated. Municipalities are responsible for approximately 140,000 kilometres of roads across the province. "For over two decades, the CAA Worst Roads campaign has given Ontarians a voice to spotlight unsafe roads in their communities and push for much-needed repairs," says Di Felice. "This list provides a powerful snapshot to governments on where to prioritize budgets and move up road repairs, and we know that the public supports these efforts." CAA research shows that 26 per cent of survey respondents expressed dissatisfaction with road work projects, stating that they take multiple seasons to complete. However, 85 per cent are willing to put up with the inconvenience of construction in exchange for long-term improvements. Ontarians shared their primary reasons for selecting a road, with 84 per cent citing potholes, followed by poor road maintenance (77 per cent) and traffic congestion (15 per cent). Ontario's Top 10 Worst Roads for 2025 Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton Barton Street East, Hamilton County Road 49, Prince Edward County Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto Hurontario Street, Mississauga Leveque Road, South Frontenac Highway 50, Caledon Sider Road, Fort Erie Gardiner Expressway, Toronto Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto Worst Roads by Region Toronto – Eglinton Avenue West Hamilton – Aberdeen Avenue Halton-Peel-York-Durham— Hurontario Street, Mississauga Central—7th Line, Innisfil Eastern— County Road 49, Prince Edward County Niagara— Sider Road, Fort Erie North— Panache Lake Road, Greater SudburySouthwest— Banwell Road, Windsor Western— Dundas Street, London Ottawa— Carling Avenue For the complete list of the 2025 Worst Roads, please visit The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) has verified Ontario's top 10 list. CAA is proud to have RCCAO as a technical partner in the CAA Worst Roads advocacy campaign. About CAA South Central Ontario As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of over 2.6 million Members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads. SOURCE CAA Worst Roads View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
