Norfolk County Council has approved an Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera pilot to begin this summer.
An ASE camera captures and records images of vehicles travelling more than the posted speed limit. No violations will be issued or processed as part of this pilot project. The goal is to make local streets safer through improved education, evaluation, and engagement.
In Ontario, ASE systems were introduced in 2019 in participating communities. Results show they have led to better speed compliance, fewer collisions, and less severity in the collisions that did occur. Municipalities utilizing ASE technology see an increase in speed limit compliance by between 40 and 80 percent.
“Speed enforcement, traffic management, and pedestrian safety are some of the top concerns residents share with members of Council,” said Mayor Amy Martin. “We are always looking at ways to keep our communities safe, and this is an effective, low-cost way of doing just that. I look forward to seeing how much of an impact these ASE cameras make.”
The pilot will include ASE cameras deployed for one week at the following locations:
- Port Rowan: 118 Bay Street, starting July 10
- Simcoe: 648 Norfolk Street North, starting July 17
- Port Dover: 638 Main Street, starting July 24
- Port Dover: Cockshutt Road (North of Inglewood Drive), starting July 31
Through ASE, speeding infractions can be detected on an ongoing and consistent basis, which enables police to focus on other tasks. Using ASE consistently can lead to changes in driver behaviour, resulting in enhanced road safety.
The data accumulated by the cameras in Norfolk will be compiled and shared in a comprehensive report to Council later this year. At that time, Council will review the project and decide on an action plan, if any, going forward.
