Toronto poll: two-thirds of residents want speed cameras back as Parkside Drive speeding jumps 200%

A poll released by CityNews on November 4 finds that two-thirds of Toronto residents want more speed cameras on the roads, nearly a year after Ontario banned municipal cameras, with support strongest in school zones. (Photo is a stock image of Toronto traffic, not Parkside Drive.)

The numbers: 68% in Toronto, 62% across the GTA

Canada Pulse Insights surveyed 510 Toronto residents and 825 residents elsewhere in the GTA between September 14 and 25, 2026. Among Torontonians, 32% strongly agreed and 36% somewhat agreed with adding more photo radar cameras, while 19% somewhat disagreed and 13% strongly disagreed. Across the GTA, 62% agreed. Pollster John Wright said the public sees cameras as a deterrent, especially in school zones and areas used by older and vulnerable people.

Parkside Drive: speeding surges after the ban

Ontario's ban on municipal speed cameras took effect on November 14, 2025. City of Toronto data cited by CityNews shows speeding on Parkside Drive rose 200% six months after the ban. City open data also shows 3,675 vehicles travelling at 60 km/h or more on the 40 km/h road in July 2026, up about 560% from 556 in July 2025. The former Parkside Drive camera had issued 70,243 tickets worth about C$7.5 million in fines, making it one of the city's most contested enforcement sites.

The poll lands just before the first anniversary of the ban. Whether the city or the province changes course next remains to be seen.