Overview of the Incident

A shocking incident involving one of Toronto's most notorious speed cameras has unfolded yet again, raising serious concerns about traffic safety in the city. According to the advocacy group Safe Parkside, the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera located at the bustling intersection of Parkside Drive and Algonquin Avenue has been maliciously cut down for the third time and thrown into a nearby pond.

Details from Safe Parkside

Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chair of Safe Parkside, recounted the bizarre discovery when he arrived at the site. “When I got here, the speed camera was nowhere to be seen, which is unusual because before they would just cut it down and leave it lying there,” Gholizadeh told CTV News Toronto. He indicated that the vandalism likely occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, as he followed a trail leading to the frozen duck pond where the camera was discarded. His incredulous remark highlighted the level of commitment from these renegade vandals.

History of Vandalism

This latest incident marks the third time in just two months that the camera has faced this fate, with the previous dismantling happening less than 24 hours after it had been reinstalled in November. The frequency of these attacks has left community members questioning the efficacy of the city’s measures to ensure road safety.

Community Response

Expressing his frustration, Gholizadeh pointed out the city's apparent inaction regarding these repeated acts of vandalism. “I feel more let down by the city for not acting and delivering real safety on the street," he stated. Gholizadeh underscored the need for comprehensive safety solutions beyond merely installing cameras that can easily be destroyed by vandals.

City's Reaction

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the City of Toronto condemned the theft and vandalism of the speed camera. They stressed that tampering with these devices jeopardizes road safety and allows dangerous speeding to persist, particularly endangering vulnerable road users. The city clarified that these cameras are provided by a vendor, and it is their responsibility to repair or replace any damaged devices.

Police Inaction

However, amidst the chaos, Toronto police are reportedly not investigating the incident at this time. The speed camera at Parkside and Algonquin is infamous for issuing tens of thousands of speeding tickets since its installation in 2022, generating fines totaling approximately $7 million.

Tragic Background

This has been especially critical in a location plagued by a tragic history of traffic collisions, resulting in three fatalities and five serious injuries over the last decade. The urgency surrounding the speeding issue was starkly illustrated in 2021 when an elderly couple lost their lives in a horrific crash caused by a driver traveling over twice the legal speed limit.

City Measures

Following this heartbreaking event, the city reduced the speed limit on Parkside Drive from 50 km/h to 40 km/h and introduced new traffic lights. In a bid to enhance safety, the city council also approved a road safety project in November that includes provisions for bike lanes and redesigns of the busy street.

Call for Action

Despite these measures, community advocates like Safe Parkside are adamant that more action is necessary. They voiced their concerns about the ongoing reckless driving and high-speed incidents, stating, “Despite being a city-designated Community Safety Zone and the tragic loss of life on Parkside Drive, residents are still left to plead for safety solutions.”

Conclusion

The saga of the speed camera's destructive cycle continues, leaving citizens and city officials scrambling for effective strategies to secure safe road environments. How long will this outrageous vandalism persist, and will city officials wake up to the pressing need for lasting change? Only time will tell.