Speeding on Parkside Drive in Toronto has tripled since the removal of a controversial speed camera, according to data from the City of Toronto and advocacy group Safe Parkside. Faraz Gholizadeh, co-chairman of Safe Parkside, reported that in the first four months of the year, more than three times as many vehicles traveled at 60 km/h or faster compared to the same period in 2025.
Data shows sharp increase
The figures, sourced from the city's Open Data Portal via a digital speed sign on Parkside Drive, indicate a dramatic rise in speeding. Gholizadeh described the situation as a return to the Wild West, with no effective speed limit enforcement. The province's decision to end speed camera use in Ontario six months ago has exacerbated the problem, particularly on Parkside Drive, where the camera was frequently vandalized.
Consequences of camera removal
Gholizadeh noted that speeding has increased month over month since the camera was deactivated. He warned that as more drivers become comfortable speeding, the numbers will continue to rise. Safe Parkside has documented several multi-vehicle collisions that occurred after the camera's removal, highlighting the growing danger.
Despite the 40 km/h limit, police enforcement has been sparse. Safe Parkside filed a freedom-of-information request for speeding ticket data but has not received a response from Toronto Police. When asked about enforcement changes, police requested clarification but did not answer subsequent questions.
History of safety concerns
Safe Parkside has advocated for street safety since 2021, following a fatal crash that killed a husband and wife at Parkside's intersection with Spring Road. The speed camera, which was cut down at least seven times, has been replaced by an orange pylon. The street lacks proper sidewalks, with no sidewalk on the High Park side and a substandard one on the other.
Parkside Drive lies within Parkdale-High Park ward, represented by Councillor Gord Perks, who is not seeking re-election. Gholizadeh hopes the upcoming municipal election will bring new solutions to address the street's safety issues, which he says are designed for motorists at the expense of safety.
