Speed cameras bring in $1.2M in Barrie as city considers permanent program
According to a new report, the city brought in more than $535,000 dollars since introducing the automated speed enforcement program in December 2023.
If you've received a ticket in the mail lately, you're not alone.
Barrie's two photo radar cameras have generated more than $1.2 million in fines since the City launched its automated speed enforcement (ASE) program.
According to a new report heading to council this week, over $535,000 of that total has been collected since the cameras were activated in December 2023. The City says the revenue is earmarked for traffic safety improvements, with city staff recommending some of it be used to fund two additional speed cameras and a raised intersection at Madelaine Drive and Country Lane in the south end.
City councillors are scheduled to vote Wednesday on whether to make the program permanent. It's currently a pilot project.
While some drivers have taken to social media to complain about the tickets, city officials say the program is doing what it's supposed to do: slow people down.
'There's a very simple way to avoid getting a ticket – don't speed,' the City states matter-of-factly on its website. 'Please slow down and help keep our communities safe.'
The cameras operate in designated community safety zones and are currently stationed on Dean Avenue near La Source Elementary School and on Marsellus Drive near St. Bernadette Elementary School.
How it works
The system captures the licence plates of vehicles exceeding the speed limit and issues fines by mail. While the ticket doesn't add demerit points or show up on your driving record, it can be costly—especially in school zones where fines are doubled.
To better manage the ticketing process, the City recently moved to an Administrative Penalty System, allowing drivers to dispute their penalty or ask for more time to pay through a screening process, replacing the older Provincial Offences Court model.
City staff say any remaining revenue after the new cameras and intersection upgrade would go toward other community safety initiatives, though no specific projects have been announced yet.
The current cameras will remain in place until late June, when they are relocated to another community safety zone. Signs are posted to alert drivers of the upcoming photo radar, plus when the cameras are active, with special signage replacing flashing school zone lights during camera operation.
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