Automated Speed Enforcement Frequently asked Questions & Comments

Each municipality uses different methods and techniques to help enforce speed limits – which are laws, not guidelines. ASE is one methods that has proven to be effective in other Canadian provinces and around the world. Municipalities have been collecting speed data in school zones and community safety zones, data which is now being used to pinpoint where ASE can be implemented to help protect our most vulnerable road users.

Automated Speed Enforcement has proven to increase adherence to the posted speed limits by as much as 43% in other municipalities.  Safety is always at the heart of Essa.  Essa is doing its best to increase safety on our roads.  We are excited to bring ASE technology to Essa!

• 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.

While traditional 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. Using ASE consistently also lends to altering driver behaviour for ongoing road safety.

Studies indicate that ASE systems generally reduce speeding and improve road safety. For example, the City of Toronto reported a significant reduction in speeding incidents in areas where ASE was deployed.

The implementation of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) programs has been shown to reduce traffic violations, including speeding and red-light running. Consequently, the revenue generated from fines tends to decrease over time, often leading to reduced operational hours for the program. The primary goal of ASE is to enhance road safety rather than to serve as a revenue-generating mechanism.

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 with the vendor.

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.

Camera Locations

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 ticket under the ASE Program.

The registered owner of the motor vehicle is liable for the speeding ticket.

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.

Registered owners of vehicles that are caught by ASE cameras travelling in excess of the posted speed limit will receive a Penalty (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.

• An online payment portal
• In person by cash, cheque (made payable to the Township of Essa) or debit
• By mail to The Township of Essa, 5786 County Rd 21, Utopia, ON L0M 1T0"