Automated Speed Enforcement

Automated speed enforcement is an automated system that uses cameras and a speed measurement device to help enforce posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones.

How automated speed enforcement cameras work

An automated speed enforcement unit takes an image and records the speed of any vehicle travelling over the posted speed limit. The camera stores the images, and the approved vendor downloads and sends the images to Toronto's Joint Processing Centre. The Joint Processing Centre reviews the images and determines if a ticket should be issued.

How automated speed enforcement improves safety

We are committed to improving road safety and we know speed is a problem on Niagara's roads. According to Automated Speed Enforcement Ontario, speed contributes to a third of fatal collisions in Canada. Slowing down drivers helps make roads safer.

Automated speed enforcement is an effective strategy to:

  • Improve safety on Regional roads
  • Reduce vehicular speeds
  • Encourage compliance with speed limits
  • Reduce collisions resulting in fatalities and severe injuries
  • Support walkable and safe communities

This safety tool complements police activities by enforcing safer speeds.

Locations and schedule

At this time, four automated speed enforcement units will be rotated through Niagara's 13 community safety zones on Regional roads. Each unit will remain in place for approximately 90 days before being rotated to the next location.

We use cameras with a fixed pole and camera housing. The camera housing stays empty until the active unit is installed as per the following schedule. The pole and camera housing stay in place for when the camera returns.

A 'Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon' sign is installed at least 90 days before enforcement begins. A 'Municipal Speed Camera In-Use' sign is present when cameras are active.

  • September to December 2023
    • Niagara Falls - Lundy's Lane between Kalar Road and Montrose Road (West Lane Secondary School)
    • St. Catharines - Main Street between Martindale Road and Johnston Street (St. Ann Catholic Elementary School)
    • Welland - Rice Road between Quaker Road and Woodlawn Road (Alexander Kuska Catholic Elementary School)
    • West Lincoln - Station Street between Spring Creek Road and West Street (John Calvin School)
  • January to April 2024
    • Fort Erie - Central Avenue between Gilmore Road and Bertie Street (Our Lady of Victory Catholic Elementary School)
    • Grimsby - Main Street between Nelles Road S and Bartlett Avenue (Park Elementary School)
    • Lincoln - Victoria Avenue between Frederick Avenue and King Street (Twenty Valley Public School)
    • Niagara-on-the-Lake - Niagara Stone Road between Concession 6 Road and Four Mile Creek Road (Crossroads Public Elementary School)
  • April to July 2024
    • Niagara Falls - Montrose Road between Watson Street and Lundy's Lane (Greendale Elementary School)
    • Niagara-on-the-Lake - York Road between Queenston Road and Concession 3 Road (St. David's Public School)
    • St. Catharines - Louth Street between Rykert Street and Pelham Road (DSBN Academy)
    • West Lincoln - Townline Road between Harvest Gate and Canborough Road (Smithville District Christian High School)
  • July to November 2024
    • Fort Erie - Central Avenue between Gilmore Road and Bertie Street (Our Lady of Victory Catholic Elementary School)
    • Grimsby - Livingstone Avenue between Roberts Road and Patton Street (Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School)
    • Niagara Falls - Lundy's Lane between Kalar Road and Montrose Road (West Lane Secondary School)
    • Welland - Rice Road between Quaker Road and Woodlawn Road (Alexander Kuska Catholic Elementary School)

See the locations for automated speed enforcement and red light cameras on a map.

All rotations are tentative and subject to change. Second round rotations will be determined in late 2023 or early 2024.

How locations were selected

Automated speed enforcement units will be used on our community safety zones. These zones are designated through a by-law passed by Council to identify and advise motorists they are within a zone where public safety is of special concern.

In these zones, certain fines are doubled, such as speeding and traffic signal related offences.

Violations and fines

Tickets

The ticket is issued to the registered plate holder of the vehicle, even if they were not the one driving at the time.

Tickets are mailed to vehicle owners when it's clear there was a violation as determined by Provincial Offences Officers.

There is no maximum number of tickets someone can receive. A ticket will be issued to the registered plate owner each time their vehicle exceeds the speed limit when a municipal speed camera is in use.

Fines

Tickets issued for speeding when detected through automated speed enforcement clearly indicate the set fine, which is determined by the Chief Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice and is specific to the rate of speed over the speed limit the vehicle was travelling at the time the image was taken.

Demerit points are not issued with violations detected by automated speed enforcement.

How to pay fines

You can pay in-person, by mail or online. For more information about tickets and fines, see Provincial Offences Court.

Revenues collected will support road safety-related programs and educational initiatives.

Page Feedback Did you find what you were looking for today?