Automated speed enforcement (ASE)

As a part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative, Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras are in operation and rotated around Guelph to address speeding through residential neighbourhood and community safety zones.

The cameras are one of many tools the City is using to combat speeding and aggressive driving, especially in Guelph’s school zones where this is a high volume of pedestrians and cyclists. The goal of these cameras is to encourage drivers to follow posted speed limits as a normal behaviour, ultimately reducing the chances of a severe or fatal injury related collision.

Location schedule

The City currently operates four (4) mobile camera units that are rotated to different designated school zones every three (3) months.

The 2024-2025 school year locations will be added once they are confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

What is Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)?

ASE is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. This technology is meant to help make roads safer for all road users.

An ASE system captures and records images of vehicles travelling over the posted speed limit in school zones and community safety zones and automatically issues tickets to the registered plate holders regardless of who was driving. These tickets result in monetary fines but do not apply demerit points.

Where is ASE being implemented?

The Highway Traffic Act only authorizes the use of ASE in school zones and community safety zones.

What is a school zone?

A school zone is an area of road close to a school; school zones are designated by municipal bylaws. Typically, there are reduced speed limits (either during certain times of the day or 24/7) within 150 metres of a school.

What is a community safety zone?

A community safety zone is an area that is identified as having a road segment of higher risk or concern; community safety zones are designated by municipal bylaws. Certain Highway Traffic Act fines (including speeding) are doubled in community safety zones and many community safety zones are located close to schools.

How is the City notifying drivers of ASE locations?

ASE is about safety and transparency. Clear signs will be posted within each school zone and community safety zone where an ASE system is in place and active. There will also be signs installed 90 days prior to the issuance of tickets to let motorists know that these systems will be installed in the near future.

Are threshold speeds being disclosed?

No. Speed limits are not guidelines – they are the law. Drivers travelling at or below the posted speed limit will not receive a ticket. Drivers travelling above the posted speed limit may receive a ticket and be required to pay a fine.

How accurate is an ASE system when detecting speed?

ASE is just as accurate at detecting speed as traditional speed measurement devices used by police.

What is the maximum number of tickets someone can receive?

There is no maximum number of tickets a vehicle can receive. A ticket will be issued to the registered plate owner each time their vehicle exceeds the speed limit in an ASE-enforced school zone or community safety zone. Speed limits are not guidelines – they are the law, and the best way to avoid receiving a ticket is to comply with the speed limit.

How are ASE tickets processed?

After the ASE system captures an image of the vehicle exceeding the speed limit, the image is stored and sent to a processing centre. The image is then reviewed by a provincial offences officer. A ticket, which contains a digitized copy of the image and an enlargement of the plate portion, is then mailed to the registered vehicle plate holder. On conviction, the only penalty is a fine – no demerit points are applied.

What are the fines associated with an ASE ticket?

Fines vary according to the speed recorded by the ASE camera and are determined by the Ontario Court of Justice. In general, the higher the speed, the higher the fine. For more information regarding set fines, please refer to the Ontario Court of Justice. The total payable indicated on the ticket includes the set fine, court costs and the victim fine surcharge, which is credited to the provincial victims’ justice fund account.

Will a ticket affect my insurance?

While tickets issued will not result in demerit points, the reality is that a speeding ticket – whether issued by a police officer or through the use of ASE – could potentially affect your insurance. This is a matter for your insurance company. The best way to avoid any increase in your insurance premium due to speeding is to abide by the posted speed limit.

Will ASE tickets affect driver/owner records such as demerit points?

No. Since the ticket is issued to the registered plate holder and not the driver, no demerit points can be applied.

Do ASE cameras generate revenue for the City?

The focus of the ASE program is safety. The goal of a successful ASE program is to be revenue neutral, meaning that the revenues would at least cover the operating and maintenance costs for the cameras. Since the incidence of speeding decreases after the installation of cameras, it is difficult to predict the number of violations. If the program does generate any revenue, the revenue will be placed in a reserve fund that will be used for other road safety initiatives in Guelph.

Who reviews the image before a ticket is issued to the registered plate holder of the offending vehicle?

Images are only captured by the ASE system when a vehicle is detected travelling above the posted speed limit. A provincial offences officer then reviews the image and lays a charge when the image proves that the vehicle was speeding and the plate holder (owner) is identified.

Is the ticket issued to the driver of the vehicle?

No. A ticket is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, which is served by mail to the plate holder at the last known address on file with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Tickets are expected to arrive within 30 days or less of when the violation occurs.

How will someone be notified of an offence?

The ticket is sent to the registered plate holder by mail.

If someone receives a ticket, what is the process? What are their options?

If someone receives a ticket, the options will be included in more detail on the ticket. More information is available on the Provincial Offences Court page or by contacting Court Services.

Court Services
[email protected]
519-826-0762

How do I find the Certificates of Accuracy?

To view the Certificate of Accuracy that ensures each camera is accurately reading speeds, visit the Certificate of Accuracy list on the City of Toronto’s website. Search by municipality to find certificates for ASE cameras in Guelph.

More frequently asked questions and information on ASE within the province can be found by visiting aseontario.com.

For more information

Traffic Services
519-822-1260 extension 3414
[email protected]