It's been several months since the City of Brantford activated its red light camera program, and the community response has been anything but quiet. From safety concerns to revenue debates, residents are sharing their experiences with the new automated enforcement system that's now capturing violations across 10 key intersections.

The Bottom Line: What You Need to Know

Red light cameras are now fully operational and issuing $325 fines to vehicle owners who run red lights at monitored intersections. The cameras are part of Brantford's Vision Zero strategy to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, but community feedback reveals both support and significant concerns about implementation.

Where the Cameras Are Located

The red light cameras are currently operational at these 10 intersections:

• Veterans Memorial Parkway at Blackburn Drive
• Wayne Gretzky Parkway at Henry Street
• Clarence Street at Icomm Drive
• Wayne Gretzky Parkway at Morton Avenue
• Market Street at Wellington Street
• larence Street at Dalhousie Street
• Lynden Road at Wayne Gretzky Parkway
• West Street at Fairview Drive
• Dunsdon Street at Park Road North
• King George Road at Charing Cross/Queensway Drive

These locations were selected based on collision rate data, targeting intersections with the highest risk of red light running incidents.

Community Response: The Good, The Bad, and The Concerned

Since the cameras went live, social media has been buzzing with resident feedback. The response reveals a community grappling with both the safety benefits and practical challenges of the new system.

Safety Concerns Taking Center Stage

The most frequent complaint centers on yellow light timing, particularly at Wayne Gretzky Parkway and Henry Street. Multiple residents have reported that the yellow light duration seems insufficient for vehicles approaching the intersection.

Community members consistently describe the yellow light timing as "too short," with some noting that if the light turns yellow as a vehicle approaches the stop bar, it often turns red before they can safely clear the intersection.

This concern is amplified by reports of an unintended consequence: drivers are now slamming on their brakes to avoid tickets, potentially causing rear-end collisions. Residents describe seeing more close calls and near-misses as drivers become overly cautious, sometimes crawling through intersections or stopping abruptly when they might previously have proceeded safely through a yellow light.

The Revenue Debate

Community reaction is split on whether the cameras represent legitimate safety measures or "government money grabs." Some residents point to successful programs in other cities, noting that Oakville recently collected revenue from 17,000 speeding tickets through photo radar.

However, skeptics question whether the revenue actually benefits the community. "The money they gain never goes back into what the community would call 'help,'" one commenter argued, questioning how much funding returns to road infrastructure improvements.

Calls for Program Expansion

Despite concerns, many residents are requesting additional camera locations, particularly:

• King George Road and Fairview Drive
• Colborne Street (Highway 2) and Highway 18 in Cainsville
• Shellard's Lane for speeding issues

Some are calling for expanded enforcement, including speed cameras and stop sign cameras throughout the city.

How the System Works

The red light cameras operate as automated systems that detect and photograph vehicles entering intersections after the signal has turned red. Key details include:

• Fine Amount: $325 (no demerit points)
• Who Gets Ticketed: The registered vehicle owner, regardless of who was driving
• Review Process: Provincial Offence Officers review all images before issuing tickets
• Impact on Driving Record: No impact on the owner's driving record

What To Do If You Get a Ticket

If you receive a red light camera violation notice, you have three options within 15 days:

Option 1: Plead Guilty and Pay

• Pay online at www.payfines.ca ($2.50 convenience fee applies)
• Pay by mail to City of Brantford, Provincial Offences Court Office, 102 Wellington Street, P.O. Box 760, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 2M3
• Pay in person at 102 Wellington Street (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• Pay by phone at 519-751-9100

Option 2: Request a Meeting with Prosecutor

Submit a request to discuss possible resolution by mail, in person, or email to brantfordpoa@brantford.ca

Option 3: Request a Trial

Contest the ticket by requesting a court appearance through the same contact methods.

Looking Ahead: Program Evolution

The red light camera program represents just one component of Brantford's broader Vision Zero initiative. As community feedback continues to pour in, residents are hoping for adjustments that address their primary concerns:

• Yellow light timing reviews at problematic intersections
• Countdown timers on traffic lights to help drivers make better decisions
• Clear signage ensuring all camera locations are properly marked
• Transparent reporting on how camera revenue supports road safety improvements

The Safety Mission Continues

While debate continues over implementation details, the core mission remains clear: reducing the risk of serious injuries and fatalities at Brantford's busiest intersections. Running red lights puts everyone at risk, and the city's data-driven approach to selecting camera locations reflects genuine safety concerns.

As MPP Will Bouma noted when announcing the program's activation, "The City's red light camera program is designed to modify aggressive driving behaviour and increase awareness of the dangers of running red lights."

The success of this program will ultimately be measured not in revenue generated, but in lives saved and injuries prevented. As Brantford continues to refine its approach based on community feedback, the goal remains unchanged: making our roads safer for everyone.

For more information about red light camera locations, violation procedures, or to stay updated on program changes, visit the City of Brantford website or contact the Provincial Offences Court Office at 519-751-9100.