Automated Speed Enforcement

Although every municipality uses different methods and techniques to help enforce speed limits, ASE is one method that has proven to be effective in other Canadian provinces and around the world. Traffic safety is one of the highest priorities of BWG Council and this project is a major step forward in addressing speeding within our community.  Municipalities have been collecting speed data in school zones and community safety zones, which is now being used to pinpoint where ASE cameras can be implemented to help promote road safety.

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

• ASE Cameras help to enforce speeds limits on our roads.
• ASE units are an important reminder to drivers to slow down in areas where children and other vulnerable road users are.
• 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.
• If you drive the posted speed limit, ASE will not affect you at all.
• Evidence shows that driver behaviour begins to change over time with a "halo" effect created. 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 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 notice under the ASE Program.

The registered owner of the motor vehicle is liable for the speeding ticket/penalty notice. Owners disputing the alleged contravention have the following options available to them:

• Pay the Penalty Notice
• Request a review by a Screening Officer
• Request a review by a Hearing Officer

Convicted owners will not be subject to demerit points. 

 You can pay your penalty notice: 

• Online using the payment portal
• In person at 100 Dissette St., Units 7&8 by cash, cheque (made payable to the Corporation of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury) or debit.
• By Mail to:
  Town of BWG
  Automated Speed Enforcement
  100 Dissette St., Units 7&8, P.O. Box 100
  Bradford, ON L3Z 2A7

The fine amounts for Automated Speed Enforcement penalties are set out by the Province of Ontario under the Highway Traffic Act Regulation 355/22. The total monetary fine is made up of three components and are set out as follows:

 

First and foremost, ASE is regulated through O. Reg 398/19 so there are several rules and processes our municipality has to follow in deploying ASE. One of these rules is for ASE locations – ASE can only be deployed in designated Community Safety Zones and School Zones. Longitudinal data, motor vehicle collisions, historic safety concerns, and communal complaints are also considered in the internal ASE site selection.

 

If you would like to make recommendations on future ASE locations, please get in touch with our Community and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee at: traffic@townofbwg.com.

Once cameras are rotated, they undergo a testing period where images are taken to ensure the camera is placed in an appropriate location and properly calibrated. Once the testing period is over, the "Coming Soon" sign will be replaced with an "In Use" sign to indicate that the cameras are live.

No, we do not disclose threshold speeds. Speed limits are not guidelines – they are the law. Driving at, or below, the posted limit will ensure a ticket is not issued.

No, demerit points are not issued. A fine is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who may be driving the car.

Yes, there will be clear signage ahead of the ASE units. Coming Soon signs will displayed for a period of 90 days prior to an ASE unit being operational. Once the cameras are installed and working, an In Use sign will replace it to indicate that charges are now being issued.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers can be held responsible for how their vehicles are being used. ASE systems cannot capture images of drivers or passengers so owner liability is in effect and results in the registered plate holder receiving the ticket.

A Community Safety Zone is an area designated through a By-law (that is passed by council) to identify it as a road segment of higher risk or concern. Certain Highway Traffic Act fines (including speeding) are doubled in Community Safety Zones, which are mostly located close to schools and school zones.  

• Locations of the first rotation of ASE cameras published to the public.
• 90-day notification period begins:
• Advanced warning signs installed at the four ASE camera sites, reading "Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon".
• ASE camera sites published on website and social media.

• First rotation of ASE cameras installed and operational.
• On-site advanced warning signs removed and replaced with active use signage, reading "Municipal Speed Camera In Use".
• Tickets issued to vehicles captured by the ASE system, exceeding the posted speed limit.

• Locations of the second rotation of ASE cameras published to the public.
• 90-day notification period begins:
• Advanced warning signs installed at the four ASE camera sites, reading "Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon".
• ASE camera sites published on website and social media.

• Second rotation of ASE cameras installed and operational.
• On-site advanced warning signs removed and replaced with active use signage, reading "Municipal Speed Camera In Use".
• Tickets issued to vehicles captured by the ASE system, exceeding the posted speed limit.

• Locations of the third rotation of ASE cameras published to the public.
• 90-day notification period begins:
• Advanced warning signs installed at the four ASE camera sites, reading "Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon".
• ASE camera sites published on website and social media.

• Third rotation of ASE cameras installed and operational.
• On-site advanced warning signs removed and replaced with active use signage, reading "Municipal Speed Camera In Use".
• Tickets issued to vehicles captured by the ASE system, exceeding the posted speed limit.

Project team, consultant, and Community and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to review Pilot Project data, analyze results, and present findings and recommendations to Council on implementation of permanent ASE system for BWG.

There is also an options to extend the Pilot by six months, should the team feel more time is required to collect data.

On September 3, 2024, BWG Council were presented with initial findings from the pilot project and opted to continue the Automated Speed Enforcement program beyond the 1-year pilot. More information relating to future locations and other details will be shared when available.