Automated Speed Enforcement in Ontario

Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE), an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to enforce speed limits in identified areas, is designed to work in tandem with other road safety measures, such as engineering activities, education initiatives and police enforcement, to help improve safety for people of all ages by:

  • Increasing speed compliance.

  • Altering driver behaviour.

  • Increasing public awareness about the critical need to slow down.

To increase road safety for our most vulnerable populations, ASE is anticipated to be deployed across Ontario as early as spring 2020. BUT, you won’t see ASE everywhere – just in the school zones and community safety zones of participating municipalities where it will be used to protect our most vulnerable populations and help them feel comfortable while walking, running, playing, cycling and generally enjoying their communities. 

ASE is about safety – period. We know that everyone has likely exceeded the speed limit at one time or another, but with clear signage posted, ASE is the reminder we ALL need to slow down and help keep our communities safe. 

Fallen bike and helmet lay on a street.

How ASE works

The ASE system is comprised of three main parts:

  1. A speed measurement component. 

  2. A data processing/storage component. 

  3. An image capture component that includes a data box with the posted speed limit, the speed of the vehicle, the location, the time of day, and other information.  

If a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit in an ASE-enforced area, the ASE system captures an image that is stored and reviewed by a provincial offences officer. The ticket, which contains a digitized copy of the image and an enlargement of the plate portion, is then mailed to the registered plate holder within 30 days of the offence, outlining next steps and the cost of the associated fine. Concerned that ASE will impact your driving record? Not to worry, demerit points won’t be issued with an ASE ticket.  

So, what does this mean for Ontario’s drivers? Absolutely nothing if you follow the posted speed limit. Tickets will only be given to vehicles travelling over the speed limit, the same as they are when issued by police enforcement.