As many as 5 speed cameras damaged this week: Toronto cops

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Toronto Police say up to five speed cameras have been damaged this week.

A camera at The East Mall and Faludon Ct. was cut down on Tuesday, and then a camera at Sheppard Ave. E. and Don Mills Rd. received the same fate on Wednesday.

The lenses of cameras at Pharmacy and Sherwood Aves. and McCowan Rd. and Sandhurst Circle were also damaged on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the camera at Pharmacy Ave. and Galworthy Ave. was facing a different direction, possibly caused by an accident, police said.

CityNews said in a report that the outlet confirmed a speed camera was cut down recently at O’Connor Dr. and Coxwell Ave. But police haven’t received a report about that incident.

No arrests have been made in any of the incidents which police continue to investigate.

Speed cameras being damaged is not a new trend. The Parkside Dr. camera has notably been cut down at least five times in a six-month span, including being thrown into a nearby duck pond on one occasion.

In 2024, Toronto Police said that 12 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras were vandalized “beyond repair.”

The City of Toronto, which doesn’t own the cameras – they are a vendor-provided service – has condemned any vandalism of the speed cameras.

“ASE cameras are only installed in Community Safety Zones – areas near schools, hospitals, playgrounds and other locations frequented by vulnerable people,” read their statement.

“Speed limits are not guidelines, they are the law. A motorist can ensure they don’t receive a ticket by travelling at or below the posted speed limit.”

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Earlier this year, the city added 75 new ASE cameras to help remind motorists to reduce their speed.

In December 2024, City Council approved the installation of additional cameras, bringing the total number to 150.

“The cameras will help us remind drivers to reduce their speed and keep everyone safer on our roads,” Mayor Olivia Chow said at the time.

“Our goal is for no drivers to get a fine for speeding, but that’s only possible if everyone sticks to the speed limit and follows the road rules,” she added. “These new Automated Speed Enforcement devices will make our roads safer for families across the city.”