Assessing the Effectiveness of Automated Speed Enforcement in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Speeding remains a leading cause of traffic accidents, contributing to nearly a third of all deaths. To mitigate this risk, speed enforcement measures are widely used. Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) programs, in particular, have been globally evaluated for their efficacy in promoting road safety. This article presents the first study to evaluate the impact of ASE in different ASE periods and spatial locations in the regional municipality of Durham, Ontario, Canada. Our research methodology comprises two main components: temporal and spatial analysis. The Temporal analysis involves comparing traffic data across three ASE periods: the warning period, active ASE period, and post-ASE camera removal period, across multiple rotations. Spatial analysis examines traffic data at three spatial positions: upstream (before), at, and downstream (after) the ASE camera. Speed radars were deployed at two ASE sites in the Durham Region, ON, Canada, to evaluate the temporal and spatial effectiveness of ASE. Results indicate a significant reduction in speed violations at both sites across multiple rotations. Moreover, the study identifies a long-term positive impact of ASE on driver behavior at the study sites.