City council to consider doubling number of speed cameras in Hamilton

More speed cameras could be coming to Hamilton this year as the city tries to get drivers to slow down.

Depending on what’s decided at a council meeting this morning, the number of speed cameras within the city could double.

There are currently four cameras that are operational across Hamilton. One is on Upper Ottawa Street, others on Carson Drive and Lawrence Road, and another on Panabaker Drive in Ancaster. However, the locations rotate every few months.

The new cameras will cost more than $500,000, and are expected to bring in roughly $375,000 per year in fines.

City data shows that driver compliance with the speed limit improved by 10 to 30 per cent when speed cameras are stationed on the roadsides. The city also says around 50 per cent of crashes in Hamilton are caused by speeding or aggressive driving.

The cameras have been a point of contention since their introduction to Hamilton’s roads. Many have been vandalized with spray paint on the camera lens, while others have simply been pushed over or cut down.

Still, some Hamiltonians welcome the devices. A city staff report says that the cameras are being added to allow for broader coverage, but also as a response to some requests by residents.

Premier Doug Ford made his opinion clear yesterday, saying speed cameras are nothing but a cash grab and he intends to get rid of them.

Meanwhile, other cities continue to intensify speed camera use. Burlington plans to install six of the cameras on their roads, and Toronto currently has 150.

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