Kingston to try out speed enforcement cameras this fall

Speed enforcement cameras are coming to Kingston Ont.'s streets, for the first time, starting this fall.

They're part of a two-year pilot project and will only be used in community safety zones near schools, according to a media release from the city.

The cameras are mobile and will first be set up along Norman Rogers Drive and Lancaster Drive in September, before rotating to different locations roughly every three months.

Matt Wood, a project manager with the city, said they'll operate similarly to red light cameras, issuing tickets to the registered owners of vehicles caught speeding, who'll then receive a ticket in the mail.

"The goal of the program is to reduce speeds and make these roads safer for vulnerable road users," he said.

All revenue collected from speeders will be used to cover the costs of the program, or will be invested in other road safety initiatives, said Wood.

Camera locations were selected based on factors including pedestrian counts, collision history, traffic volumes and data from speed studies, he added.

The City of Kingston says the cameras will be set up in community safety zones, with the goal of slowing drivers near schools. (Dan Taekema/CBC)

Signs warning road users the cameras are coming will be set up at least 90 days in advance and will remain in place once the cameras are activated.

Wood stressed the purpose of the project is to make roads safer and to encourage drivers to slow down, so transparency about where the cameras are is important.

A full list of camera locations and their rotation schedule will be posted on the city's website.