Toronto's infamous speed camera has faced vandalism for the fourth time in just five months, raising serious concerns about road safety in the area. The camera, situated south of Algonquin Avenue, was reported cut down overnight by the local neighborhood group, Safe Parkside, leaving a dangerous stretch of roadway with minimal safety measures in place.

The most recent incident follows a pattern of vandalism that began in November 2023, when the camera was cut down not once but twice within 25 hours. In December, it was cut down again and disposed of in a pond in High Park. This demonstrates a troubling trend of hostility toward the device, which has been designated to monitor speeding vehicles in an effort to enhance safety in the community.

Notably, the speed camera has been among the highest revenue-generating installations in the city, amassing over $7 million in fines since its installation. This has led to criticism from local residents, who argue that the camera has failed to improve safety for both residents and visitors. According to the statements by Safe Parkside, a motorist was recently clocked at a staggering speed of 154 km/h on Parkside Drive, which is nearly four times the posted speed limit, highlighting the persistent danger in the area.

Community members have voiced concerns, stating that despite generating significant revenue for the City of Toronto, the speed camera has not contributed to making Parkside Drive safer. They have called on the city to take more effective measures to tackle the hazardous conditions that persist on the roadway. Their frustrations echo the sentiment that financial gains from fines should not come at the expense of public safety.

The Parkside Drive speed camera was first installed as a response to a tragic incident on October 12, 2021, when two seniors lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle crash at the intersection of Parkside Drive and Spring Road. The installation was seen as a necessary precaution to prevent further accidents, but the repeated vandalism and ongoing reckless driving raise serious questions about how well these measures are being enforced and whether they are enough to protect the community.

In a bid to address the ongoing safety concerns in the area, the Toronto city council endorsed a road safety plan last October. This plan aims to enhance safety measures by installing bi-directional cycling lanes on the west side of Parkside Drive and reducing the vehicle lane configuration to one lane in each direction. However, the effectiveness of this plan remains to be seen, particularly given the ongoing issues with the speed camera and the alarming behavior of some drivers.