The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), with funding from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), has released a new report on the status of Speed Safety Camera programs in Canada. The report documents how Speed Safety Camera (SCC) programs are implemented and managed in Canada. The purpose was to identify challenges and lessons learned related to laws and policies, technologies used, location types, private partnerships, and ways that data support and evaluate programs. The use of SSCs can promote a Safe System Approach to reach Vision Zero which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. This report is of interest to public agencies and other stakeholders primarily responsible for the safety of the road network such as enforcement agencies, highway engineers, legislators, and elected officials. In addition, SSC programs enable police officers to focus on other more complex tasks and helps them stay safe because traffic stops are a dangerous part of their job.

Speeding remains a priority road safety issue in Canada as it significantly increases the risk of fatal crashes. Data from Transport Canada (2023) revealed there were 1,630 fatal crashes in 2021 and 24.7% involved a driver speeding or driving too fast for conditions. High vehicle speeds decrease road safety by making crashes more likely to occur. In the event of a crash, it results in more severe outcomes. Crashes are more common because faster speeds reduce the amount of time available for drivers to perceive and react to road risks, increase braking distances needed to stop, may affect tire grip on the pavement, and make loss of control more likely. Additionally, at higher speeds drivers have a narrower field of vision to detect hazards.

While traditional speed enforcement by police officers is effective, such enforcement is often limited due to myriad other demands and priorities, limited policing budgets, and other practical constraints. As such, an SSC program can continuously monitor roadways, enabling police officers to focus on more complex and competing priority issues in the communities they serve.