The City of Orillia recently implemented automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras, which issued over 12,000 tickets within a four-month period. This initiative, aimed at improving road safety, highlights significant changes in driver behavior in community safety zones.
Details of the Automated Speed Enforcement Program
The ASE program commenced on July 11, introducing cameras on Fittons Road West and Park Street. Subsequently, two additional cameras were activated on Westmount Drive South on August 18. The program concluded on November 14 following a directive from the province.
Ticket Statistics and Driver Behavior
- Total Penalties Issued: Over 12,000
- Average Penalty Amount: $145
- Significant Traffic Volume Changes:
- Fittons Road West: Daily traffic dropped from 6,000 to 4,500 vehicles.
- Park Street: Average traffic decreased from 1,850 to 1,150 vehicles.
During the operating period, a notable improvement in speeding behavior was observed. Speeding on Fittons Road West fell by approximately 12%, while Park Street saw a reduction of about 33%. Nevertheless, some drivers continued to exceed posted limits; the highest recorded speed exceeded 115 km/h, with an average maximum speed of around 80 km/h during the last four weeks.
Demographics of Penalties
Most tickets were issued during daylight hours, with 65% of penalties in the final two months directed at non-residents. Compliance among drivers remained relatively high; only 10% of vehicles on Fittons Road West exceeded speed limits, 15% on Park Street, and just 1% on Westmount Drive South.
Future Road Safety Initiatives
The province has allocated $163,661 to Orillia from the Road Safety Initiatives Fund to support safety efforts at the former ASE locations. This funding will be used for:
- Temporary targeted enforcement until permanent safety measures are established.
- Traffic-calming measures, such as speed cushions and raised crosswalks.
- Signage improvements, including new warning signs and digital speed feedback displays.
Municipalities will be required to report the revenues generated from the ASE program. It is expected that all collected funds will be reinvested to support road safety initiatives.
As the municipal government continues to address traffic safety, it anticipates providing further details on funding applications by early 2026.
