Automated Speed Enforcement(ASE)

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Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to enforce speed limits, helping to improve public safety and protect vulnerable road users.

The automated system will capture and record the rate of speed the motor vehicle is travelling and will automatically issue tickets to the registered plate holders regardless of who was driving the vehicle. Demerit points will not be applied.

ASE systems are designed to complement other road safety measures and enhance public safety in community safety zones and school zones by:

increasing speed compliance
encourages drivers to change behavioural habits
increasing public awareness about the critical need to slow down

The monetary penalty varies with the extent of speed over the speeding limit and is set by provincial regulation under the Highway Traffic Act, ONTARIO REGULATION 355/22, s. 6 (5) as follows:

1 to 19 km over the limit is $5.00 per kilometre
20 to 29 km over the limit is $7.50 per kilometre
30 to 49 km over the limit is $12.00 per kilometre
50 kilometres per hour or more over the maximum speed limit is $19.50 per kilometre

The Automated Speed Enforcement program aligns with the Municipality of Brighton’s strategic goal of enhancing public safety by creating safe and comfortable streets for everyone on or near Municipality of Brighton roadways.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)

What is Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)?

ASE is a system that uses a camera and speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. ASE is a tool that can be used to complement other traffic safety initiatives such as police enforcement, road calming measures, and education campaigns. In Ontario, the ASE program was introduced into the Highway Traffic Act through the Safer School Zones Act in 2017 and is implemented specifically in municipally designated School Zones (SZs) and designated Community Safety Zones (CSZs). ASE began operation in Ontario in 2020 and is currently operating in several municipalities and regions.

The fine amount for a speeding infraction issued through the ASE program is a set fine based on the excess speed the vehicle is traveling over the speed limit plus a victim surcharge fee, and a Ministry of Transportation licence plate search fee. All ASE tickets are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. Since the registered owner of the vehicle may not actually be the driver that committed the violation, no demerit points are applied. This is unlike tickets issued by police officers for speeding infractions are based on the same fine amounts in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), which may also include demerit points associated with the ticket, depending upon the excess speed.

All images from the ASE cameras are reviewed and processed by Brighton’s designated By-law Offences Officers who confirm the charges and mail a Penalty Offence Notice, similar to a speeding ticket from a police officer to the registered owner of the vehicle.

No demerit points are applied. The Owner of the vehicle is given the following options:

Paying the fine as shown on the Penalty Order; or,
Submit a formal request to the Municipality’s Screening Officer or Hearings Officer as outlined in the Muncipality of Brighton's 'Administrative Monetary Penalty System' By-Law No. 070-2023, and Ontario Regulation 355/22.

Why is the Municipality of Brighton introducing ASE at this time?

The Municipality of Brighton regularly tracks traffic volumes and speeds for a number of its roadways and streets. The Municipality has received expressed concerns regarding speeds in any number of areas. In the School Zone where ASE is being implemented, excessive speeds have been consistently recorded. School crossing guards have reported related traffic concerns.

How does ASE work?

The devices are set up in a selected designated School Zones (SZs) or Community Safety Zones (CSZs). Speeding vehicles are photographed and records the speed above the enforcement speed limit, the corresponding time, and the location of the offence. These images and related information are reviewed by their Municipality's designated Provincial Offences Officers and if a charge is verified, a Penalty Offence Notice (i.e. speeding ticket) is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The Offence Notice contains the photo of the offence vehicle and enlargement of the license plate.

What are the penalties for speeding with ASE?

In the School Zone the speed limit is 40 km/hr. The penalties for speeding over the enforcement limit are monetary, no demerit points are awarded. The monetary penalty varies with the extent of speed over the speeding limit and is set by provincial regulation under the Highway Traffic Act, ONTARIO REGULATION 355/22, s. 6 (5) as follows:

1 to 19 km over the limit is $5.00 per kilometre plus costs
20 to 29 km over the limit is $7.50 per kilometre plus costs
30 to 49 km over the limit is $12.00 per kilometre plus costs
50 kilometres per hour or more over the maximum speed limit is $19.50 per kilometre plus costs

How fast over the speed limit is permitted before incurring a fine?

The enforcement speed limit may be higher than the posted speed limit. The enforcement speed limit is an administrative policy decision of the municipality and may vary in keeping with public safety objectives. The Municipality does not give public notice regarding enforcement speed limits.

How can a Speeding Offence fine be paid or be appealed?

Vehicle owners may be accustomed to paying speeding tickets through the Provincial Offences Court. However, in the Municipality of Brighton, Provincial Offences courts are not used for ASE purposes. Instead, an Administrative Penalty (AP) system is used for enforcing ASE infractions. The registered owner of the vehicle can pay the AP fine through the on-line system as referenced on the Penalty Notice ticket.

Alternatively, the vehicle owner may request the Municipality’s Screening Officer to conduct an administrative review of the Penalty Notice ticket through submitting the request through the Municipality’s web page (see Request for Review by Screening Officer) as specified on the Penalty Notice. If after and administrative review, a vehicle owner is dissatisfied with the decision of the Screening Officer, an appeal can be lodged with a Hearings Officer, who will schedule an adjudicated hearing to review the appeal based on evidence submitted by the appellant.

How long will the ASE program be in place?

A time frame for administering an ASE program has not been given a limit. It will be monitored for effectiveness. In the future, the location for the current camera system may be relocated to other School Zones or Community Safety Zones, as needed. Before establishing a new location, public notice will be given. In doing so, the Municipality may designate through a policy and by-law new areas as a Community Safety Zone.