Shelburne ends automated speed enforcement

Ford Government bans use of municipal speed cameras effective Nov. 14

Written By Joshua Drakes 

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Town of Shelburne has deactivated its automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras after the Ford government passed legislation banning their use across the province last Friday.

The cameras were only in use for 70 days in Shelburne before the pilot program was forced to end. 

The provincial government has largely condemned the use of automated speed cameras, with Premier Doug Ford referring to them as “cash grabs” aimed at taking money away from taxpayers.

The town confirmed the end of automated speed enforcement in its community safety and school zones in an announcement posted on its website's ASE page.

“In accordance with this new legislation, the Town of Shelburne's ASE Program will be ending. Effective November 14, 2025, all ASE cameras located in the Town of Shelburne will be deactivated,” reads the post.

They did, however, specify that, up until that point, all issued tickets are valid and must be paid.

The Shelburne Free Press reached out to the Town of Shelburne for comment, and CAO Denyse Morrissey directed the paper to an Oct. 6 Council motion, in which the town stated its opposition to the Province ending municipalities' use of ASE.

“Shelburne Town Council formally opposes the Province's decision to abruptly cancel ASE, a public safety tool enabled through provincial regulations in December 2019,” reads the statement. “Consistent with local, regional, national and international research by third parties including Sick Kids & Toronto Metropolitan University… The Town of Shelburne's ASE program has resulted in significant reductions in speed, increased speed compliance in Community Safety, and changes in driver behaviour.”

Morrissey said there will be a staff report provided to Shelburne council during its meeting next Monday, Nov. 24. The item regarding ASE will appear on council's agenda, which will be available for viewing by the end of today, Nov. 20. Morrissey also clarified that the Town of Shelburne did not incur any upfront costs related to ASE. No equipment was purchased to setup the program. 

While the town continues to advocate for ASE, public perception paints a more mixed story.

Personal reactions within the public have been largely mixed. Some residents have applauded the removal and termination of the program, while some have lamented the cancellation, fearing a return to higher speeds around town.

Councillor Len Guchardi said that personally, he believes that removing the cameras was a mistake.

“I truly think it's a bad idea to pull them down,” he said. “I feel that they've helped calm traffic down across town. It's truly unfortunate to have just put them up and now pulled them down. We only got a couple months of use out of this pilot project.”

He also said that, on a personal level, he's received positive feedback about the cameras for helping quiet traffic passing through downtown Shelburne.

“They've assisted with the truck noise and traffic in the evenings,” he said. “They've helped slow trucks who've come flying through at high speeds that practically rattle people's windows. That's the kind of comments I'm hearing. Citizens (could) back out of their own driveways with a little more ease.”

Pat Belford, a Shelburne resident for over 40 years, expressed support for speed enforcement but not ASE cameras.

“I'm pro-speed bumps and those signs that light up and tell you how fast you are going,” Belford said. “Speed cameras do not stop habitual speeders; they will just pay the ticket. Speed bumps will definitely slow you down, and also do not require any ‘admin' for ticketing.”

Automated Speed Enforcement remains a controversial topic across the province, especially among residents, while most municipalities continue to advocate for the program. For the moment, however, this chapter of traffic enforcement has closed.