Many residents have recently raised questions about Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) in our community. I want to take this opportunity to clarify how the program works, why it’s important, and respond to some frequently asked questions.
The Goal of ASE: Safer Streets for Everyone
The purpose of the ASE program is simple: to reduce speeding and make our streets safer, especially for children, seniors, and vulnerable pedestrians. Speeding, even slightly over the posted limit, can significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
Research shows that even small reductions in speed dramatically improve survivability in the event of a collision. That’s why the focus of ASE is on ensuring drivers adhere to posted speed limits, not arbitrary thresholds.
How Thresholds Work
Thresholds, meaning the speed at which a ticket is issued, have been in place since the ASE program began in Brampton around 2020. These thresholds are based on:
- North American best practices
- Consultations with road safety experts and law enforcement
- Benchmarks from similar programs in other jurisdictions
To ensure transparency, signage indicating entry into a Community Safety Zone and the presence of speed cameras is posted a minimum of 90 days in advance of a camera being activated, and all locations are available at www.brampton.ca/ASE.
This gives residents ample warning that cameras are in use and helps them adjust their speed accordingly.
Tickets are only issued when a vehicle exceeds the set threshold. Drivers travelling at or near the posted speed limit will not receive a ticket. Consistency is important because adjusting the threshold based on time of day or location could send a misleading message that speeding is more acceptable at certain times. This inconsistency could undermine the long-term behavioural change we are working to achieve.
The goal is to create consistent, safe driving habits, at all times of day, in all locations.
Why it matters: Just look at the difference in pedestrian survival rates as speeds increase
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASE?
Automated Speed Enforcement uses cameras to capture vehicles travelling above a specific speed. It’s designed to reduce speeding in high-risk areas, such as near schools or in residential neighbourhoods.
How fast do I have to be going to get a ticket?
While the specific speed threshold is not disclosed, tickets are only issued when a driver exceeds that threshold. Brampton follows industry best practices, and if you are driving at or near the posted speed limit, you will not be ticketed.
Why not tell people the exact threshold?
Disclosing the threshold can reduce the deterrent effect. If drivers know they can speed up to a certain point without penalty, it undermines the program’s goal of encouraging compliance with the posted limit.
Is this just a cash grab?
No. The purpose of ASE is public safety, not revenue. Every dollar collected from ASE tickets is reinvested into local road safety initiatives to further protect our community.
Why not change the threshold based on time of day?
Changing thresholds can lead to confusion and suggest that it’s acceptable to speed at certain times. Consistency is key to fostering long-term safe driving behaviour.
Where can I see the data on speed-related collisions?
The City of Brampton regularly publishes traffic safety reports, including ASE data and pedestrian safety statistics. These can be accessed through the City’s website or by contacting our office.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue making our streets safer for everyone.
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