Toronto police say 16 automated speed enforcement cameras were damaged overnight throughout the city Tuesday.
While police did not specify the extent of damage to the cameras, Global News documented Tuesday morning that one had been chopped down at Lake Shore Boulevard East and Woodbine Avenue.
“We are aware that multiple Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras were vandalized overnight. Vandalism is a criminal offence and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Toronto Police Service,” a city spokesperson told Global News in an email Tuesday.
“The City of Toronto condemns all vandalism of these speed cameras. Damaging these devices allows dangerous speeding to continue and undermines the safety of vulnerable road users, as all ASE devices are located in Community Safety Zones such as near schools, playgrounds and hospitals.”
Toronto police said Tuesday afternoon the cameras at the following locations were damaged:
- Coxwell/O’Connor
- Dundas/Casimir
- Sentinel/Sheppard
- Lake Shore Blvd East/Winners Crcl
- Bayview/Post
- Rexdale/Kipling
- McCowan/Finch
- Bellamy/Northleigh
- Scarlett/Eglinton
- Rockcliffe/Alliance
- East Mall/Faludan
- Eglinton/MartinGrove
- Midland Ave/South of Aylesworth
- Sheppard Ave East/ West of Don Mills
- Dufferin/South of Dufferin Park Ave
- Ellesmere East/ Gladeside Rd
Tuesday’s development comes after the ASE on Parkside Drive near High Park was cut down Sunday for the seventh time in recent months.
The first incident of vandalism was reported in November 2024, and it has since become infamous, known for the destruction it has faced over the past 10 months.
Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of the community group Safe Parkside, told The Canadian Press the camera was first installed in 2021 after a fatal crash and has since issued over 68,000 speeding tickets.
Gholizadeh added the speed camera has recorded the highest speed of 154 kilometres an hour, which is nearly four times the posted speed limit.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for municipalities to ditch speed cameras on Tuesday, saying they’re a “tax grab” and would have the province remove them entirely should cities not do so themselves.
Mayor Olivia Chow said the cameras are there to protect citizens.
“Don’t speed, and you won’t get a ticket. You won’t have to pay a fine. If you’re breaking the law, there has to be consequences,” she said, adding the chief of police has assured her there will be justice for Tuesday’s incidents.
An investigation is underway.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
— with files from Isaac Callan and Colin D’Mello