Red Light Camera

In an effort to increase road safety measures for pedestrians and road users, Council of the Township of Essa authorized staff to take the necessary steps to implement Red-Light Cameras (“RLC”) at intersections in Essa that will aim to reduce the number and severity of intersection collisions caused by red-light runners.

Submit application to Province requesting Essa be added to Ontario’s Red Light Camera Program

Completed

Commenting Period (31 days) on proposed Amendment to Ontario Regulation 277/99 - Ontario Regulatory Registry Posting 

Opened April 23, 2026

Provincial Approval

TBD

Enter into required agreements

TBD

Develop public education campaign for residents

TBD

Finalize RLC camera locations

TBD

Why Red Light Cameras? Running a red light is illegal and can cause serious collisions. Municipalities across Ontario use red light cameras to improve safety at traffic-controlled intersections.

Benefits:

  • Red light cameras act as a deterrent, leading to a decrease in red light violations and the number and severity of injuries
  • Cameras operate around the clock, providing continuous monitoring

Studies in Ontario and other communities have shown that these cameras can significantly reduce red light violations and related crashes.

How do Red Light Cameras Work?

A red-light camera is an automated system that takes pictures when a vehicle enters an intersection after the traffic signal turns red.

  • Sensors are placed near the stop line intersection. They are connected to the traffic signal so that the system knows exactly when the traffic signal turns red.
  • If a vehicle enters the intersection AFTER the signal turns red, the system is triggered.
  • Two photographs are taken:
    • the first photo shows the vehicle at the stop line with the red light
    • the second photo shows the vehicle moving through the intersection.
      • The images captured record the following information:
        • Date
        • Time of Day
        • Exact time the vehicle crossed the stop line
        • Length of time that the red light was active
        • Vehicle speed
        • License plate
      • A Provincial Offences Officer (as designated by the Minister of Transportation) reviews the images to confirm the violation.
        • If a violation is confirmed, a ticket is mailed to the registered plate holder.

NOTE - Photographs are not taken when a vehicle enters the intersection on a green or yellow indicator light, or when the signal turns red while a vehicle is already in the intersection.

Additional Information

RLC sites are selected using collision data, and traffic volume. Each proposed site is carefully considered prior to installation of a RLC system.  Additionally, other factors are considered such as visibility and the availability of space at the intersection for camera equipment.

No. The Nottawasaga OPP Detachment uses a mix of education and enforcement to improve road safety. Red Light Cameras are an extra tool, and do not replace police enforcement. 

The Nottawasaga OPP Detachment supports red light cameras in Essa Township.

  • Section 144 of the HTA - Red light violations fall under this section. Key provisions include mandatory stops at red lights (144(18)), legal right-turns on red after a full stop (144(19)), and strict pedestrian, signal, and lane compliance.
  • Ontario Regulation 277/99 “Red Light Camera System Evidence” outlines requirements for red-light camera violations and the information that must be included on a penalty order.
  • Part XIV.2 of the HTA allows red light camera systems to collect evidence of a violation.
  • The Township will operate its Red Light Camera Program using an Administrative Penalty System in accordance with Ontario Regulation 355/22 “Administrative Penalties for Contraventions Detected Using Camera Systems”

The goal of the program is road safety; not money. As red-light violations often decrease after cameras are installed, it is difficult to predict how much revenue the program may generate.

Fine Revenue helps pay for:

  • RLC camera program and its operating costs
  • Processing fees
  • Related costs

If additional revenue is generated, staff may recommend that these funds be used for road safety initiatives. The final decision on how the funds are used would be made by Council.

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