Pedestrian Deaths Surge as Toronto Lacks Speed Camera Enforcement

Pedestrian deaths from traffic collisions in Toronto have risen by 24 per cent compared to last year, as first reported by CBC Toronto, according to data from the Toronto police traffic services unit. As of October, 21 pedestrians have died, putting the city on a trajectory to potentially exceed the 44 fatalities recorded in 2022, which was the highest number in recent years.

Reporting from CBC Toronto notes that a June city report identified a significant increase in speeding in areas where cameras were previously located. Jess Spieker, a spokesperson for the road safety advocacy group Friends and Families for Safe Streets, stated that the increase in deaths is not unexpected after the province removed speed cameras last November. Spieker estimates the city is on track for approximately 49 total traffic collision fatalities by year-end.

While the Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Dakota Brasier stated that speed bumps and roundabouts are the most effective safety measures—and noted that Toronto received $10 million from the province's road safety initiative fund—alternative infrastructure may take years to deploy. A February city staff report indicated that installing traffic calming measures across Toronto could cost $52 million and take 13 years to complete.

Beyond pedestrian deaths, Toronto police data shows a five-year high for motorcyclist fatalities, with 11 deaths recorded as of October 5, representing a 57 per cent increase over the same period last year. Toronto police spokesperson Nadine Ramadan stated that traffic enforcement has remained consistent despite the removal of speed cameras.