Red Light Cameras are here to stay
In August 2004, the Provincial Government passed legislation allowing municipalities to operate red light cameras indefinitely.

In January 2010, the Province of Ontario increased the fine for red light running from $180.00 to $325.00, recognizing that seriousness and often consequences of red light running.

Statistics collected from the five municipalities suggest that drivers are getting the message that running a red light is dangerous and they are stopping for red lights.  Collisions resulting in deaths and personal injuries have been reduced by more than 25 per cent and those resulting in property damage are down almost 18 per cent as a result of red light camera enforcement.

Taking a closer look at the City of Toronto locations, the number of angle collisions (those most indicative of red light running) causing death, injury or property damage have been reduced by over 60 percent.

Currently there are over 150 cameras being rotated among 180 intersections throughout the participating municipalities.  In Toronto alone, 87 cameras are rotated among 114 intersections.  While some people have called the cameras a tax grab, in fact it costs more to operate the cameras than the program generates in terms of revenue.  Saving lives and changing driver behaviour are key reasons the cameras are used.

One thing is certain, red light running is a serious issue in our community. Over 40 per cent of fatalities at signalized intersections are attributed to red light running. Statistics indicate that red light cameras provide a safety benefit since collisions and injuries have been reduced at intersections where cameras are used.