Last year, Toronto experienced its lowest number of traffic-related fatalities in ten years, coinciding with the removal of a major road safety initiative from the city. Recent data from the city reveals that 39 individuals lost their lives on Toronto’s roads in 2025, even fewer than in 2020 when pandemic-related restrictions led to significantly reduced traffic. The fatalities included 19 pedestrians, 12 motorists, five motorcyclists, two cyclists, and one person using “micromobility” such as electric bikes and e-scooters.
This marks a significant decrease from a decade ago when the city recorded twice the number of traffic deaths, with 78 fatalities in 2016, over half of them pedestrians. In response to these alarming statistics, the City of Toronto introduced the Vision Zero strategy aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities. The comprehensive plan involves various road safety measures, such as street redesigns to discourage speeding, as well as the implementation of speed and red light cameras.
Since the inception of the Vision Zero plan, there has been a general downward trend in traffic fatalities over the past decade. The strategy’s projects manager, Sheyda Saneinejad, highlighted that the initiative received its largest budget in 2025, allowing for expansion and successful outcomes. Despite these positive developments, one significant aspect of the program has been removed – the city’s speed cameras, which were doubled in number to 150 in 2025 but were dismantled in the fall due to new provincial legislation.
While studies by the CAA demonstrated the efficacy of speed cameras in reducing speeding and garnered public support, Premier Doug Ford and his government deemed them ineffective and opted for large warning signs instead. This decision has raised concerns among road safety advocates like Jess Spieker, who fears for the safety around schools, where most cameras were placed.
Despite the setback of losing speed cameras, Vision Zero’s manager emphasized the presence of multiple safety measures, including speed humps, red light cameras, and school crossing guards, to maintain road safety. With ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures, the city aims to continue its progress towards achieving the Vision Zero goal, acknowledging the need for a diverse range of strategies to ensure safer streets for all road users.