First six months of expanded Municipal Speed Camera data reveals positive trends

Waterloo Region – As students across Waterloo Region return to schools, the first six months ofthe expanded Municipal Speed Camera (MSC) program data shows drivers are lowering their average speed in school zones, making the community safer for those that walk, roll and cycle.  

Following a successful pilot program in 2021, Regional Council directed the use of speed cameras at school zones across Waterloo Region. Speed cameras are a widely used, evidence-based tool to reduce vehicle speeds in areas with increased pedestrian and community use. Beyond daytime hours, schools playgrounds, sports fields and gymnasiums continue to be busy places at all times of day throughout the week. 

The Municipal Speed Camera Mid-Year Report highlights early findings in changes to driver behaviour, and ticket data, including:  

1. Slowing Down for Safety: A notable change in speed compliance (with an average of 57% compliance and some school zones seeing as high as 90% compliance), reflecting a shift towards safer roads for those walking, rolling and cycling. 

2. Ongoing Challenges with Speeding: Although many are slowing down, excessive speeding remains a concern at most schools, occurring daily at all hours. 

3. Program Usage and Support: 
• Over two million incidents of speeding were captured by speed cameras between February 3 – July 31, 2025. 
• 55,899 tickets were issued since the program started. 
• 84% of vehicles have received only one ticket since the start of the program - drivers are slowing down in school zones. 
• The median ticket amount is $108.25. 
• 73% of all tickets were paid. 83% were paid online highlighting the convenient and easy to use self-service portal.  

“The data speaks for itself, the program is working to change driver behaviour and creating a safer community for everyone,” said Colleen James, Chair of the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee. “As we navigate the next steps together and children head back to school in the coming days, this is one tool that’s proving itself to be useful in protecting pedestrians and easing speeds in community safety zones where the risk is the greatest.”

Waterloo Region currently has 17 school zones utilizing speed cameras, with 11 more schools coming online in Fall 2025. A full map of locations can be found at:  https://gis.regionofwaterloo.ca/municipalspeedcameras  

More details on the Municipal Speed Camera program can be found at www.saferoadswr.com.  

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