The speed camera by Crossroads Public School will be active again in May.
The camera is installed on Niagara Stone Road between Concession 6 and Four Mile Creek Road. A “Coming Soon” sign is already up to give the required 90-day notice before enforcement starts.
When active, the camera will capture speeding vehicles then mail tickets to registered plate holders. Fines will apply but no demerit points will be issued.
The speed cams caused a flood of mixed reactions — and waves of tickets — when they were first put into place in spring of 2024. The Lake Report heard from dozens of readers who received tickets — some for going 51 km/h.
The camera is located in a school zone, where the posted speed limit is reduced to 40 km/h during school hours. Based on the tickets received, the threshold for a ticket is anything above 10 km/h over the 40 limit.
The automated speed enforcement program, designed to protect schools, parks and high-pedestrian areas, has been successful in lowering speeds, says the Niagara Region.
Speeding violations have dropped 67 per cent and average speeds are down 13 per cent because of speed cameras, according to the region’s website.
Tibor Toka, supervisor at Trius Restaurant — which sits along the stretch of Niagara Stone Road where the new speed camera will be installed — said speeding has long been an issue in the area.
“I was driving home on Niagara Stone Road, basically around the school area. Then a car passed me at about 130 km per hour, then rolled over at the roundabout,” he said. “But they safely got out.”
Toka said safety is a concern on that road due to heavy traffic from cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially since many nearby roads have no sidewalks.
“It’s one of the most visited places, so it’s good to be slower,” he said. “It could save a life.”
For speed camera locations, you can visit www.niagararegion.ca/living/roads/vision-zero/automated-speed-enforcement.aspx.
