📝 Episode Summary:
In this fiery episode of The Ordinary Effect, host I revisit a personal and political story that’s gripping Ontario: the Premier’s recent announcement to remove Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras across the province. This decision hits close to home for me as I share a first-hand experience of receiving a questionable ticket en route to a funeral—and the ongoing battle that followed.
Through personal reflection, political analysis, and direct community engagement, the episode exposes systemic flaws in signage, appeals processes, and the real intent behind many of these speed cameras: revenue over safety.
🔍 Subheadings & Key Points:
🚨 The Big Announcement
- Premier Doug Ford pledges to legislate the removal of ASE cameras in Ontario.
- I welcome the move, citing community frustration and lack of transparency.
🧾 My Personal Story
- Received a ticket from an ASE camera while driving to his father's funeral.
- Argue the signage was misleading or obscured.
- Appeals process revealed systemic flaws and bureaucratic stonewalling.
🧱 A Broken System
- Difficulty engaging local and regional officials.
- York Region Council mostly ignored concerns—one councillor (Joe DiPaola) supported reform but was outvoted.
💸 Cameras as Cash Cows
- Cameras are often placed in low-risk areas, like:
- Roads far from schools.
- Areas with no pedestrian activity.
- Lack of public clarity around speed thresholds for triggering tickets.
🔒 Erosion of Trust
- Toronto’s cameras are repeatedly vandalized, suggesting community resistance.
- Cities defend ASE cameras as "safety tools," but the data and behavior say otherwise.
- I call for real solutions, like physical traffic-calming measures (e.g., speed bumps).
📣 A Call to Action
- Encourages communities and lawmakers to focus on actual safety, not revenue.
- Supports continued advocacy, including action via the Ontario Ombudsman.
- Urges voters to hold officials accountable for policies that erode public trust.
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