Starting September 2024, the Town of Newmarket will launch its Community Safety Camera Program which uses automated speed enforcement technology to reduce speeding in Community Safety Zones near schools to protect the community’s most vulnerable residents. As a reminder, ‘Coming Soon’ signs were installed in March 2024 at all 14 Council-approved locations where the pole-mounted speed cameras will be placed. A brief warning period will take place at the end of August, prior to issuing tickets to give drivers an opportunity to alter their driving habits. All cameras will be activated by the beginning of the school year in September 2024.
“Newmarket streets will be even safer through the use of automated speed cameras in Community Safety Zones – often where our community’s most vulnerable pedestrians (children) frequent,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Our goal is not to issue tickets or punish drivers, our goal is to educate and provide sufficient warning that speed cameras are coming. This was done through on-site signage, a warning letter period, a phased-in camera activation approach, a public education campaign and more. Once the program begins, and you choose to speed in these areas, you will be at risk of getting a ticket.”
Approximately 900 Newmarket residents participated in an online and phone survey this spring. Through the survey, the Town learned that:
80 per cent of Newmarket residents surveyed believe that those speeding in Community Safety Zones should be fined.
80 per cent of Newmarket residents surveyed believe that aggressive drivers and speeders should be fined.
70 per cent of Newmarket residents surveyed would like to see more measures in place to reduce speeding.
“Through the survey, we learned that most residents want to see measures in place to reduce speeding in their neighbourhoods and that those speeding aggressively should be fined,” says Mayor John Taylor. “While many commented that they would like to see more police presence when it comes to speeding, the reality is this isn’t always feasible. The use of speed cameras is a more efficient use of taxpayer funds, and it will help York Regional Police dedicate more resources to other serious crimes in the community. It is no secret that speed kills. Please help keep your neighbourhood safe and drive the speed limit.”
Location of Cameras
14 pole mounted automated speed enforcement will be located at the following locations:
Ward 1: Stonehaven Avenue; Kingsmere Avenue
Ward 2: Gorham Street; Srigley Street East
Ward 3: Wayne Drive; Patterson Street
Ward 4: Longford Drive; Bristol Road East
Ward 5: Queen Street; William Roe Boulevard
Ward 6: Savage Road; Clearmeadow Boulevard
Ward 7: Woodspring Avenue East; Woodspring Avenue West
Prior to the speed cameras activated in September, a brief warning letter period will take place to give everyone an opportunity to alter their driving habits.
For more information on location of the speed cameras and other Community Safety Zones in Newmarket, view the interactive map at Newmarket.ca/CommunitySafetyCameras.
Tickets and Fines
Fines are set by the Province of Ontario and tickets will be issued in-house by the Town of Newmarket through the Administrative Monetary Penalty System. Tickets will be issued within 30 days of the offence by letter mail to the registered vehicle owner. The penalty is a monetary fine and no demerit points will be issued. To learn more about the payment or appeal process, please visit Newmarket.ca/CommunitySafetyCameras.
The Town of Newmarket will not issue tickets or ask for payment by phone, email, or text message. Tickets from the Town of Newmarket will only be issued by letter mail.
Please note that York Region is also running an Automated Speed Enforcement Program separate from the Town of Newmarket. For more information on their program, visit York Region’s Automated Speed Enforcement website.
Funds collected will be used to support safe streets and active transportation
The funds collected from the Community Safety Camera Program will be used to offset the cost to run the program and to keep the community even safer. As driver behaviour changes and vehicles start to slow down in Community Safety Zones, the funds generated by the program are anticipated to decrease as well. The potential funds generated by this program will be used to support safe streets, active transportation, and other Town initiatives.
For more information on the Community Safety Camera Program, and to see a list of frequently asked questions, please visit Newmarket.ca/CommunitySafetyCameras.
