The Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program is a Vision Zero road safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic-related injuries and fatalities. It uses a camera and speed measurement device to detect and capture images of vehicles travelling in excess of the posted speed limit.
ASE is intended to enhance road safety by:
ASE systems are installed in Community Safety Zones near schools. There are two systems per ward to ensure even distribution. The ASE systems are mobile and will rotate every three to six months within each ward which will provide an opportunity to address a greater number of areas with safety concerns and provide a wider-ranging deterrent effect. "Coming soon" warning signs will be posted 90 days before ticketing begins at any new ASE locations. Warning letters will not be issued.
ASE sites are selected based on data that indicates where speed and collisions have been a problem in Community Safety Zones near schools (Provincial regulations only allow ASE in Community Safety Zones or School Zones). Additional considerations include planned road work, speed limit changes, obstructions to the equipment, boulevard space, and the road environment (ex. sharp curves or steep hills). Requests to install an ASE system at a particular location will be taken into consideration during this process.
To submit a request for ASE, or to view a map of where ASE systems are currently installed, visit www.toronto.ca/ASE
Signs will be posted advising motorists when they are in a Community Safety Zone with an active ASE system. In addition, advisory signs will be posted at least 90 days prior to the issuance of tickets.
ASE units capture images of offending vehicles (including rear license plates) and their detected speed. All evidence data is encrypted to ensure that it can only be read by the ASE processing software. ASE systems do not capture images or video of the driver, or vehicles that are not speeding.
All images from ASE systems are reviewed by a Provincial Offences Officer who has been designated by the Province. The Provincial Offences Officer reviews whether or not a speeding offence has occurred, and if confirmed, issues a notice of offence (ticket) to the registered plate owner, regardless of who was driving.
No demerit points will be issued and there is no impact on the recipient's driving record. Fines are consistent with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. ASE offence notices will be issued within 23 days of the date of offence. It's expected that it will take approximately 2-4 weeks for the owner of the vehicle to receive a ticket in the mail.
For information on paying or disputing an ASE ticket, visit www.toronto.ca/ASE.
Registered plate owners that receive an ASE ticket have three options:
1) Pay the fine;
2) Request an early resolution meeting; or
3) Request a trial
Payments can be made by anyone, as long as they have the ticket number or driver's licence number of the plate owner listed on the Offence Notice.
Note: If the fine is in default, payment can be made by certified funds, credit card, or debit card only. Please note that it may take a few days for the ticket to appear online.
If you request a trial, you may request disclosure. Disclosure can be requested by fax or by submitting a written request to the appropriate prosecutor's office. Please make sure you provide all relevant information, including the name of the defendant, the charge, the date of the offence, the trial date, courtroom number, the time of trial, and the name and phone number of the person to contact when the disclosure is ready for pickup.
You will be notified when your disclosure package is ready. If you have any further questions pertaining to your request, you should contact the appropriate prosecutor's office.
There is no cost associated with requesting disclosure. Forms can be downloaded prior to attending the court office. Further information and disclosure request forms can be found on the City of Toronto website.
Each camera unit will cost approximately $50,000 annually to operate and maintain, including the associated software used for processing charges.
Requests for ASE camera inquiries, installation, images, comments, and complaints contact the Automated Speed Enforcement unit.
The ASE cameras only enforce in one direction, capturing the rear licence plates of vehicles exceeding the speed limit.