29-05-2025
Photo radar cameras in Barrie cut speeds, net $1.2M - and they're here to stay
The City of Barrie aims to make its speed camera program permanent with additional cameras.
The City of Barrie aims to make its speed camera program permanent with additional cameras.
City plans for more speed cameras after program brings in millions
Nobody likes to find a ticket in the mail, but in Barrie it's been a game-changer.
A staff report presented to council this week revealed the City's two-year automated speed enforcement (ASE) pilot project has made a measurable impact on how fast people drive, and has brought in over $1.2 million in revenue. As a result, city council voted Wednesday in favour of making the program permanent and expanding it.
The report showed average speeds dropped at all 12 locations where speed cameras were studied.
'Not only does it bring down the speeds in the areas during the time that the cameras are active, but also to a high percentage of the time, the speeds actually continue to be reduced even after the cameras are gone,' said Ward 7 Councillor Gary Harvey.
The program started with two cameras and the city intends to add two more as permanent fixtures in school and community safety zones with high pedestrian activity, specifically involving children.
'We're putting them in school and safety zones where our children are playing,' said Mayor Alex Nuttall. 'We should have these types of devices to ensure that if the habit of the public is to speed in school zones, we need to find a way to slow that down.'
Of the revenue generated by the program, more than half-a-million will be allocated toward community safety initiatives.
Council is also considering introducing red light cameras, a measure that's currently under review by staff. A final report is expected in the coming months for council's consideration.
