Ottawa/CMedia: A controversial bill has reportedly been passed by the Ford government banning municipalities from installing speed cameras.
With the intention of reducing red tape, Bill 56, the “Building a More Competitive Economy Act,” A controversial bill by the Ford Government was introduced on Oct. 20.
Included in this bill was a provision to ban speed cameras despite vigorous opposition from groups who say the devices improve safety.
With limited public consultations and debate, the bill fast-tracked through the legislature was introduced for third reading Wednesday and was voted on in the legislature Thursday afternoon and passed 69-41, with the support of all PC MPPs in attendance.
Responding to criticism around fast-tracking bills Thursday, Ford said he believes that his mandate from voters means that debate is unnecessary. He added that his government is putting more focus on “alternative traffic-calming measures,” such as speed bumps, speed cushions and roundabouts, as well as enhanced signage and education campaigns,
When it comes to speed cameras, Ford said this week that less than 10 per cent of Ontario municipalities want them.
“We had public debate, and it was called the election, six months ago, and we had a clear mandate,” Ford said. “I wasn’t hiding what we were doing. We put our mandate out there. The people elected us, and we’re moving forward…And the solution is you want to calm traffic, you put in calming infrastructure, and you put either speed bumps, turnabouts, raised pedestrian walkways – that slows it down”, Ford said
“Speed cameras don’t slow anyone down unless you’re in the community and you get dinged a few times. But it doesn’t make the place safer. Our solution makes the community safer, theirs doesn’t.”
The bill is Subject to royal assent to become law and the government says that is expected to happen on Monday.
Subject to royal assent, the bill is expected to become law on Monday.
