Speed enforcement cameras coming to a school zone near you

The Region of Waterloo is counting on a speed camera that automatically issues tickets to drivers to generate revenue next year.

According to recently released budget documents, the automated speed enforcement (ASE) camera is planned to rotate through different school zones starting in fall 2020. 

The cameras track the speed of approaching cars and take a photo of those that are exceeding the posted limit. A ticket is then sent to the address associated with the car's license plate.  

The camera is projected to generate 4,000 tickets annually, which will "result in an additional revenue stream," the report states.

That is a "very rough approximate estimate," according to Bob Henderson, who is the manager of transportation engineering at the region. 

Additions to the Highway Traffic Act earlier this month cleared the way for local governments to install the cameras. 

According to those regulations, the cameras must have been "tested and established to be accurate within the 12 months immediately preceding the date of offence," in order for the picture to be valid as proof of speeding.

A sign, notifying drivers of the camera, must be displayed while the camera is active. It is also noted that the sign can not be displayed when there is no camera present.  

The speed camera program is currently being reviewed by the Region's transportation division, who also oversee red light cameras.

Red light cameras, which operate in the same way as ASEs, are projected to generate $1,696,000 in fine revenue for the region in 2019.

"Automated speed enforcement will certainly increase social awareness of the need to drive safely in the school zones," Benoit Borgault, general manager of the Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region said in an email.