Contact(s)
The Development Services and Engineering Department is responsible for a number of Traffic Engineering related policies and tools to identify and address traffic safety concerns throughout the City of Orillia.
Automated Speed Enforcement Program
Orillia is moving forward with the next phase of its Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program, approving three locations for camera installations:
- Fittons Road West (Active)
- Park Street (Active)
- Westmount Drive South (Inactive)
Since the initial approval, City staff have conducted a data-driven review to identify locations where ASE cameras will be most effective in reducing speeding and improving compliance with posted limits. The three selected sites will now move forward with implementation, bringing Orillia in line with other Ontario municipalities that have seen measurable success in enhancing safety through ASE programs.
If someone receives a ticket, what is the process? What are their options?
If someone receives a ticket, the options will be included in more detail on the ticket. However, there are two basic options:
- Pay the fine according to the instructions on the ticket: online at disputeorpay.ca or by mail (ATTN: Automated Speed Enforcement City of Orillia – 50 Andrew St. S., Suite 300, Orillia, ON L3V 7T5)
- Request to dispute the fine at disputeorpay.ca
There will be no option for in-person payment.
It is important to note that if one of the options is not exercised within 30 days of receiving the ticket, it will be deemed that the registered plate holder does not wish to dispute the charge and the ticket is upheld. If the fine remains unpaid after 30 days, it will go to into default (also known as plate denial). An additional administrative fee will be added by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the vehicle owner will need to pay the fine and all additional charges at the MTO office prior to renewing their vehicle permit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Automated Speed Enforcement? |
| Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. It is a speed enforcement tool that uses technology to help make roads safer for all road users. An ASE system captures and records images of vehicles travelling more than the posted speed limit in school zones and community safety zones with tickets issued to the registered plate holder regardless of who was driving. This will result in a monetary fine, but no demerit points will be applied. |
| Why is Orillia implementing Automated Speed Enforcement? |
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Orillia is implementing ASE to address concerns about speeding, particularly in School Zones and Community Safety Zones. The goal is to change driver behavior and increase safety in areas where vulnerable people, such as children, are at higher risk. Speeding poses significant dangers in these zones, and ASE will help slow drivers down and make our roads safer for everyone. |
| Where is ASE being implemented? |
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The Highway Traffic Act only authorizes the use of ASE in school zones and community safety zones. The three ASE locations are Fittons Road West, Park Street and Westmount Drive South. |
| How will drivers know that a location is equipped with Automated Speed Enforcement? |
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Clear signage will be posted within each Community Safety Zone where a system is in place and active. There will also be signs installed 90 days prior to the issuance of tickets to let motorists know that these systems will be installed in the near future. Once the Automated Speed Enforcement equipment is operational, “Camera in use” signs will be in place to let motorist know as they approach the area. |
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How are the Automated Speed Enforcement tickets processed? |
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After the cameras capture an image of a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, the image is sent to a processing centre to be reviewed by a Provincial Offences Officer. The ticket, which contains a digitized copy of the image and an enlargement of the licence plate image, is mailed to the registered plate owner. The penalty is a fine, no demerit points are applied. The images are of the rear of the vehicle only. |
| There are School Zone Flashing lights at these locations, does it only apply to when they are flashing? |
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The locations with existing School Zone Flashers will be designated as Community Safety Zones as well as School Zones. This will mean that speed limit will always be 40km/hr The flashing lights are anticipated to be removed in the near future. |
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Why don’t municipalities use other measures to reduce speed in school zones and community safety zones? |
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ASE is one of many tools used, along with engineering activities, such as traffic calming and road design, education initiatives and police enforcement, to help reduce speed in areas with vulnerable populations such as school zones and community safety zones. |
| Why is ASE being used instead of traditional enforcement? |
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The OPP plays a critical role in maintaining safety on our roads, and they continue to enforce speed limits and other traffic regulations across Orillia. Speeding in Community Safety Zones and School Zones remains a persistent issue despite ongoing enforcement efforts. Automated Speed Enforcement provides a constant and automated presence that supplements police efforts, allowing for continuous speed monitoring without the need for officers to be physically present at all times. The Automated Speed Enforcement Program complements the work of the OPP by focusing specifically on these high-risk areas. |
| How will ASE reduce road-related injuries and deaths? |
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These programs work. In fact, Ontario municipalities that have implemented automated speed programs have reported improvements in speed compliance of up to 60%. The use of automated speed enforcement in North America has resulted in better speed compliance, fewer collisions, and less severity in the collisions that do occur. |
| Are threshold speeds being disclosed? |
| No. As speed limits are not guidelines – they are the law - there is no need to disclose threshold speeds. Driving at, or below, the posted limit will ensure a ticket is not issued. |
| What times of the day are the cameras active? |
| The program is in effect 24/7. |
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How accurate is an ASE system when detecting speed? |
| ASE systems are highly accurate and reliable, offering the same level of precision in detecting speed as traditional speed measurement tools used by police. |
| Does the ASE system capture and store video footage as well as images? |
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No. As the ASE system being used in Ontario is not a video-based system, only a still image of the license plate is captured. |
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How effective is ASE in reducing speeding? |
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These programs work. In fact, Ontario municipalities that have implemented automated speed programs have reported improvements in speed compliance of up to 60%. The use of automated speed enforcement in North America has resulted in better speed compliance, fewer collisions, and less severity in the collisions that do occur. |
| Is the ASE just a way to generate revenue? |
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The primary goal of ASE is to enhance road safety rather than to serve as a revenue-generating mechanism. Speeding is a concern the City hears about regularly from residents and the data confirms that more than 50% of drivers are speeding through Community Safety Zone and School Zones in Orillia. We are implementing Automated Speed Enforcement cameras in Community Safety Zones and School Zones to curb speeding, alter driver behaviour, and enhance safety for our community. All revenue received by the City will be used to improve road safety. |
Traffic Calming
Learn more about other initiatives such as the Traffic Circle Pilot Project, the Traffic Calming Policy and more on the Traffic Calming webpage.
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