Automated speed enforcement is officially out in Vaughan.

During a special council meeting this week, councillors backed a motion from Mayor Steven Del Duca to permanently end the city’s speed camera program. The program, which only launched in April before being paused in June, will not be returning. Instead, Vaughan plans to invest in other traffic-calming measures and safety initiatives—especially in school zones.

Del Duca explained that while the cameras were meant to protect vulnerable road users, they ended up putting too much of a financial burden on residents at a time of economic uncertainty. “The balance tips too heavily toward monetary penalties,” he said, noting that any tickets issued before June 4 still stand.

The motion also requests York Region to suspend its own speed cameras on regional roads within Vaughan. For now, however, those cameras remain active on major routes such as Bathurst, Islington, Keele, Major Mackenzie, Rutherford, Weston, and Yonge.

While some have speculated that the decision was influenced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent anti-speed camera comments, city staff say the program had already been under review following resident complaints.

Instead of cameras, Vaughan will now lean on its MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy, a broader plan aimed at improving road safety through design changes, traffic-calming tools, and community engagement.

But the big question now is: should Toronto follow Vaughan’s lead?

Toronto has over 75 speed cameras across the city, issuing thousands of tickets each month. Supporters argue they make school zones safer and reduce speeding where it matters most. Critics, however, see them as more of a cash grab than a real solution to reckless driving.

With Vaughan scrapping its program and York Region under pressure to do the same, the spotlight is now on Toronto. Will the city double down on cameras—or consider new approaches to road safety?