At least 11 Toronto speed cameras vandalized this week, the latest in west end: police

At least 11 Toronto speed cameras have been vandalized this week, police say, and the latest is outside Dufferin Mall in the city's west end. 

The speed camera, located at Dufferin and south of Bloor, appears to have been sawed through and was left leaning on its side in the grass on Wednesday. Police wrapped crime tape around the downed camera and nearby bike share dock.

Naomi Loewith, a resident of the neighbourhood for 20 years, said that it was "so disappointing" to see that the camera was vandalized and that she felt "nervous" crossing the road without it.

"Whenever I am crossing the street with my kids, I also ask them to stand back because the cars on this road go so quickly. It is so not appropriate for this neighbourhood," she added.

"If people are cutting this down because they don't want to follow the law, it is really scary."

Toronto, and surrounding GTA municipalities, have seen dozens of speed cameras chopped down in recent months. Toronto police say there have been no arrests in this week's incidents and they haven't said if the cases are connected or the work of different individuals. 

Toronto police say they received five reports of damaged speed cameras in the city from June 24 and 25 alone.

Security camera installed next to Parkside speedcam

The speed camera on Parkside Drive was cut down recently for the fifth time in six months. That's after it was cut down twice in November. Then in December, vandals cut down the camera and dumped it into a nearby duck pond. The camera was then downed in April and again in May. 

Toronto Hydro has confirmed that a security camera was installed next to the reinstalled speed camera at Parkside Drive on Monday, at the request of Transportation Services. 

Geneviève Lacroix, a resident of Parkside Drive and the co-chair of Safe Parkside, an advocacy group to increase the security and the safety on the street, said that it is "unfortunate" that the speed camera has been continuously vandalized. 

"It highlights the bigger problem, such as the frustration that the motorists have," Lacroix said. "This shows a need to get the public aware that there needs to be more effective ways for people to get around."

Since it was installed in April 2022, the camera has issued over 65,000 tickets and more than $7 million in fines, according to Safe Parkside.

Toronto to install larger signs to warn drivers 

Toronto city council decided last week that it will install "larger, more visible and clearer" signs to warn drivers where automated speed enforcement cameras are located in the city.

The motion, passed by council at its meeting on Thursday night, was part of a larger motion moved by Mayor Olivia Chow.

The automated speed camera program is part of Toronto's Vision Zero road safety plan to reduce deaths and injuries on city streets.