Speed Cameras: Revenue Over Safety: BENN

09/29/2025

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The City of Ottawa is frequently guilty of overplaying its hand. And not just on speed cameras.

The speed camera legislation was created to increase safety for school children around school zones. Deployment was limited to being near schools. A reasonable implication is that when school is not in, children at the school are few and far between. Accordingly, my suggestion of changing the operating hours to those that cover the times when children will be in the vicinity of the school.

The city expanded its definition of proximity to schools. For example, there is a speed camera on Greenbank Road, about 100-150 metres north of Sir Robert Borden High School, with the camera facing north at traffic coming down a hill to go under a rail line. More than 500 metres south, and two traffic signals away is an elementary school. Elementary school children represent a greater risk profile than high-school-aged students. Given the choice between addressing a higher risk zone and higher revenue potential, staff opted for revenue.

Erecting higher profile speed warning signs would serve to reduce the number of speeders. Reducing the number of speeders limits revenue. As I have oft pointed out, what gets measured gets managed. Staff reports focus on revenue, and that says it all.

Finally, I wish to point out that I have never received a speeding ticket from one of these school zone speed cameras.

Ron Benn, a finance executive, has been a member of the Centrepointe Community Association for the better part of three decades.