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Automated Speed Enforcement Program

Overview of the Automated Speed Enforcement Program

In 2019, the Ontario Government enacted O. Reg 398/19, which permits municipalities to implement Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) in designated Community Safety Zones and School Zones.

ASE, commonly referred to as Photo Radar, is a system that utilizes a camera and speed measurement technology to identify and photograph vehicles exceeding the posted speed limits. The primary goal of ASE is to change driver behaviour by reducing speeding and improving community safety.

During the Council meeting on April 2, 2025, the Township of Severn approved the Administrative Penalty By-law for Contraventions Detected Using Camera Systems (By-law 2025-26).  

How Automated Speed Enforcement works

When a vehicle exceeds the speed limit in an ASE zone, the system captures an image of the violation. A Provincial Offences Officer then reviews the image and issues a Penalty Order (ticket). This Penalty Order, which includes a digital copy of the image and an enlarged view of the licence plate, is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle within 30 days of the incident.

Penalty Orders are directed to the registered vehicle owner, who may not be the individual who was driving at the time. Importantly, no demerit points will be assigned, and the driving record of the registered owner will remain unaffected.

The ASE Program operates in community safety zones within the municipality where speeding has been identified as an on-going issue. These zones are identified within the Community Safety Zone By-law (By-law 2025-27). 

ASE camera locations

Community notice

All ASE locations will be clearly marked with signage 90 days prior to the installation of cameras and throughout their operational period. 

FAQ

Although every municipality uses different methods and techniques to help enforce speed limits, (Automated Speed Enforcement) ASE is one method that has proven to be effective in other Canadian provinces and
around the world.

While traditional police enforcement will still be used, ASE is a complementary method that enables police officers to focus on other critical and time-sensitive tasks. Through ASE, incidents of speeding can be detected on an ongoing and consistent basis, ensuring that school children and other road users always feel safe, not just during traffic blitzes. 

Benefits of ASE cameras include:

  • ASE units provide an important reminder to drivers to slow down in areas where children and other vulnerable road users are active
  • drivers travelling the posted speed limit are more likely able to stop in the case of a spontaneous event; lower speed can also mean a less severe outcome
  • evidence shows that driver behaviour begins to change over time (this means that drivers may begin to adhere to the speed limit in areas even where ASE is not present, resulting in safer and more peaceful communities for everyone)

There is no cost to the municipality. Global Traffic Solutions provides the technology and systems required for the program to efficiently run. Revenue generated through the program is split between Severn and Global Traffic Solutions. All revenue received by the municipality will be used to improve traffic calming and road safety measures - the funds go back to the community for improvements to overall road safety and to further promote traffic calming measures.

The municipality will use the funds (municipality portion – net fine revenue) from the fine payments to fund and invest in road safety measures and initiatives across the municipality. The victim fine surcharge portion is submitted to the Province like any other ticket offence. The municipality retains any net fine revenue, after expenses.

In accordance with the signage requirements of O. Reg 398/19,
the "Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon" signs will be
displayed for 90 days.

Following the 90 days, the "Municipal Speed Camera In Use"
signs will be posted in the designated Community Safety Zone.

 

Provincial legislation permits municipalities to create by-laws that permit the use of ASE units exclusively in school zones and community safety zones.

Severn's Community Safety Zone By-Law (By-law 2025-27)  designates the following community safety zones:

  • Division Road West (Marchmont Public School)
  • Gray Street (Coldwater Public School)
  • Cumberland Road (Severn Shores Public School)
  • Coldwater Road 
  • Muskoka Street north
  • River Street
  • Burnside Line

There will be no disclosure with respect to camera active times under the program. Observing posted speed limits 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, will ensure that drivers are not issued a penalty order under the ASE program.

The registered owner of the motor vehicle is liable for the Penalty Order.

Owners disputing the alleged contravention have the following options available to them:

  1. pay the Penalty Order
  2. request a review by a Screening Officer
  3. request a review by a Hearing Officer

Penalty Orders do not result in demerit points.

Registered owners of vehicles that are identified by ASE cameras travelling over the posted speed limit will receive a Penalty Order (Offence) Notice in the mail.

A photograph of the vehicle that was speeding will be on the offence notice along with the enlargement of the vehicle's license plate.

The location of where and when the speeding offence occurred, as well as the speed of the vehicle and the posted speed limit will also be on the ticket.

Penalty Orders can be paid:

  • on the online payment portal (coming Summer 2025)
  • in person by cash, cheque (made payable to the municipality), or debit
  • by mail to the municipality

Please note, municipal staff do not have the ability to make any adjustments to the Penalty Order. Requests for reduced fees, changes, or dismissal of Penalty Orders cannot be addressed by municipal staff. 

All charges are first reviewed by a Provincial Offences Officer. If warranted, a Penalty Order and Offence Notice (fine), with a copy of the captured image, is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle within 30 days. No demerit points are issued.

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