Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. It is an effective tool to help reduce speeds and alter driver behaviours with the goal of improving road safety.

There is a very simple way to avoid getting a ticket—don’t speed. Please slow down and help keep our communities safe.

ASE Locations

In accordance with s. 205.1(1) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, ASE cameras are permitted to be installed:

  • in designated Community Safety Zones where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h
  • in designated School Zones

Innisfil will have one camera rotating to selected community safety zones every few months. A community safety zone is an area designated through the Community Safety Zones Policy and related by-laws as a road segment of higher risk or concern. Many community safety zones are located close to schools.

ASE locations have been identified based on a combination of factors including severity of speeding in the area, traffic volumes, collision history and site suitability.

  • Current location: Jans Boulevard, south of Westmount Avenue near Nantyr Shores Secondary School (warning signs installed)
  • Previous location: Not applicable at this time
  • Next location: 20th Sideroad, south of Killarney Beach Road near Killarney Beach Public School

ASE Signage

“Coming soon” warning signs must be installed at least 90 days before the ASE cameras are activated, providing drivers with advance notice. "Testing" signs may be installed to inform drivers when cameras are being tested but are not yet actively enforcing the speed limit. “Municipal Speed Camera in Use" signs are installed when cameras are active and tickets are being issued.

Automated speed camera coming soon sign
Automated speed camera in use sign

How do ASE cameras work?

When a vehicle exceeds a threshold speed over the posted speed limit, the ASE system captures an image of the vehicle and licence plate. Threshold speeds will not be disclosed.

A Provincial Offences Officer reviews the image before a ticket is issued. Once verified, the ticket is mailed to the registered plate holder at the address on file with the Province within 30 days of the offence. The ticket will include a digital copy of the image taken by the ASE camera and an enlargement of the licence plate, along with options for ticket payment or appeal.

ASE Tickets and Fines

Tickets are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle regardless of who was driving.

The penalty is only a fine. Tickets issued via ASE do not result in demerit points and do not impact the registered owner’s driving record.

Like speeding tickets issued by police officers, the fine will be based on how much the driver was exceeding the speed limit. Fines are set by the Ontario Court of Justice Chief Judge and listed in Schedule D Highway Traffic Act Speeding – Community Safety Zone. Fines are doubled in community safety zones, even if the violation occurred outside school hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are the funds used?

The purpose of ASE is not revenue generation. It’s about community safety. The municipality uses the funds from the fine payments to offset the costs of the ASE program (camera hardware and servicing, signage, processing fees, and other support expenses).

Any net revenue after expenses will be reinvested into the ASE program or other road safety initiatives.

How can I request to get ASE on my street?

First and foremost, ASE is regulated through O. Reg 398/19 so there are several rules and processes our municipality has to follow in deploying ASE. One of these rules is for ASE locations—ASE can only be deployed in designated community safety zones and school zones. Traffic safety data including volumes, rates of speed and motor vehicle collisions, historic safety concerns, and communal complaints are considered when selecting ASE sites.

If you would like to make recommendations on future ASE locations, please contact inquiry@innisfil.ca. 

Why does the registered plate holder receive the ticket instead of the person who was driving when the ticket was issued?

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers can be held responsible for how their vehicles are being used. ASE systems cannot capture images of drivers or passengers, so owner liability is in effect and results in the registered plate holder receiving the ticket.

Background

Speeding has long been a concern of many Innisfil residents. ASE is a new tool that has shown improved traffic safety in other communities.

  • In 2017, Ontario authorized the use of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) in municipalities to address ongoing issues with speeding in school zones and community safety zones.
  • In February 2023, Local Authority Services (LAS) invited Innisfil to participate in a project that would help make ASE services accessible to smaller and medium-sized municipalities.
  • In March 2023, Town Council approved the recommendations in a staff report regarding ASE and the invitation from LAS.
  • In April 2023, Town Council approved the recommendations in a staff report for the implementation of ASE in Innisfil and a formal agreement with LAS.