Study: Traffic Cameras Reduce Speeding, Crashes

Analysis of the automated enforcement program in Ottawa, Canada shows a significant drop in speeding near traffic cameras.

2 minute read

April 5, 2023, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


A recent study from Canada highlights the success of Ottawa’s automated traffic enforcement cameras, which, at one location near a school, quadrupled compliance with speed limits. Alistair Steele reports on the story for CBC News.

“Last month, the city announced plans to more than double the number of automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras monitoring its roads in 2023 from 17 to 40, and to add up to 25 more annually until 2026, creating a web of ASE zones so vast that it could soon become difficult to drive from point A to point B in Ottawa without passing through at least one.” Rather than focusing on schools and parks, the new cameras will be located in “community safety zones” where speeding is a major problem.

In the United States, where traffic cameras are a contentious issue, more policymakers are recognizing their benefits. While proponents say the cameras can help limit interaction with police and improve road safety, critics caution that the programs can disproportionately impact people of color, in large part because low-income neighborhoods often lack safe infrastructure. 

As Steele points out, Ottawa isn’t alone in its success with traffic cameras. “A systematic review published by the Cochrane Library in 2010 analyzed 35 separate studies from around the world and found average speeds in the vicinity of ASE cameras dropped by up to 15 per cent.” The same analysis also found a significant reduction in crashes, correlating with fewer injuries and deaths, near cameras.

Monday, March 27, 2023 in CBC News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Close-up of Hybrid logo on back of silver Toyota sedan.

Toyota’s Hybrid Popularity Outpaces Production Worldwide

Soaring global demand for Toyota's hybrid vehicles is straining the automaker’s supply chain, leading to widespread delays as component shortages and limited production capacity challenge its ability to keep up.

15 minutes ago - Reuters

Aerial view of Grants Pass, Oregon with fall foliage and hills in background with a cloudy sky.

Judge Halts Enforcement of Anti-Homeless Laws in Grants Pass

The Oregon city will be barred from enforcing two ordinances that prosecute unhoused residents until it increases capacity and accessibility at designated camping sites.

March 31 - Street Roots

Colorful murals on exterior of Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, California against night sky.

Advancing Sustainability in Los Angeles County Schools

The Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Green Schools Symposium brings together educators, students, and experts to advance sustainability in schools through innovative design, climate resilience strategies, and collaborative learning.

March 31 - Los Angeles County Office of Education