City launches Automated Speed Enforcement to improve community and road safety

Today, the City of London launched its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program, a new road safety initiative designed to work in tandem with other speed reduction measures to improve safety in our neighbourhoods.

“New road safety measures like Automated Speed Enforcement play an important role in strengthening our community,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “It is essential that Londoners respect posted speed limits to help keep our most vulnerable road users safe. This tool holds us all accountable.”

ASE is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to detect and ticket plate owners of vehicles travelling faster than the posted speed limit. The program is being implemented in School Zones and Community Safety Zones where London City Council has deemed that public safety is of utmost concern and where the current posted speed limit is 40 km/h.

In London, studies show that average driver speeds range from 32 km/h to 58 km/h in 40 km/h school zones and 305 collisions involving vulnerable road users occurred on minor streets from 2015 to 2019.

“We know that a lower speed can mean a less severe outcome,” says Doug MacRae, Director of Transportation & Mobility. “Automated Speed Enforcement is proven to effectively enforce speed limits, increase driver awareness and decrease pedestrian injury and death in other Canadian provinces and countries around the world.”

Like other municipalities across Ontario, London is taking a data-driven approach to select and prioritize locations that will receive ASE based on local speed and collision data. The City is implementing two ASE cameras that will be rotated across the city, starting with the following locations:

  • Thompson Road between Adelaide Street South and Chesterfield Avenue 
  • Second Street between Oxford Street East and Dale Street

An ASE unit may remain in one location for a duration of 1-3 months. New “Municipal Speed Camera” signage will identify active ASE sites for road users as the cameras move to different locations around London. There will also be “Municipal Speed Camera Coming Soon” signs installed at least 90 days before ASE begins issuing tickets.

ASE complements other speed reduction programs and strategies including the City’s current transportation and traffic calming projects and education initiatives, along with traditional police enforcement, to help improve road user safety. The system aims to increase speed compliance, alter driver behaviour and increase public awareness about the critical need to slow down and follow the posted speed limit. 

“Looking at ways to slow drivers down plays a big role in designing or modifying streets that all Londoners will feel comfortable on,” says MacRae. “Right now, we’re focused on implementing traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in School Zones across the city.”

The launch of Automated Speed Enforcement complements London’s recent implementation of its Area Speed Limits program. Residents are encouraged to visit ASEontario.com to learn more about the program or london.ca/roadsafety for information about other local road safety initiatives.

Last modified:Wednesday, September 22, 2021