Brampton Council Discusses Back-to-School Road Safety Measures

Brampton council discussed back-to-school road safety measures, including the launch of 15 red-light cameras, expanded school-zone parking enforcement and new school-bus safety technology. The city plans to expand to 35 red-light cameras by 2028, and Brampton's Sandalwood Operations Centre is expected to process red-light camera violations for Peel Region starting in 2027. Council also discussed police use of intersection cameras in criminal investigations and passed a motion pressing Stellantis to maintain its obligations tied to the Brampton plant.

Topics Discussed

ROAD SAFETY AND RED-LIGHT CAMERAS

Brampton is launching 15 red-light cameras and plans to expand to 35 by 2028. Mayor Patrick Brown said, "Brampton currently is um launching 15 red light cameras, and by uh 2028 we'll have 35 red light cameras in the city. So, we're starting with our first 15, um and then we're going to roll out an additional 20."

Council heard that camera locations are being selected based on collision history, driver compliance, traffic volumes and road design. Beginning in 2027, Brampton's Sandalwood Operations Centre is expected to process red-light camera violations for Peel Region.

Brown framed the program as part of a broader road-safety strategy, saying, "Road safety is everyone's responsibility. We can install cameras, we can add speed cushions, we can create community safety zones, we can deploy new technology, and we can strengthen enforcement. But at the end of the day, this is my ask of Brampton residents. Road safety comes down to the choices we make. It comes down to you."

SCHOOL-ZONE AND SCHOOL-BUS ENFORCEMENT

Council reviewed school-area safety measures already in place across the city, including crossing guards, community safety zones, pedestrian crossovers and accessible pedestrian signals.

Members also discussed new camera technology aimed at drivers who pass stopped school buses displaying flashing red lights and extended stop arms, as well as automated licence plate recognition vehicles being used to identify parking violations in school zones. The discussion focused on visibility and safety risks around schools, particularly where illegally parked vehicles block sightlines for children crossing the street.

POLICE AND CAMERA-BASED ENFORCEMENT

Council also discussed how camera systems are being used beyond traffic enforcement. Brown said some of the city's cameras are already supporting Peel Regional Police investigations: "A number of the cameras and the cost of those cameras have gone to the Peel Police and is now being used every day to aid in criminal investigations. And you know, I had Deputy Menalovich give me examples of ways these cameras have made a remarkable difference. One in getting individuals who committed crimes, being able to actually catch them. We've also had some instances where there was lost loved ones, issues of Alzheimer's and dementia, children where these cameras have helped locate vulnerable individuals."

E-SCOOTERS AND E-BIKES

Council heard that riders of e-scooters and e-bikes must be at least 16 years old and that only regulated devices are permitted in Brampton.

STELLANTIS AND MANUFACTURING

Council discussed the future of the Stellantis plant in Brampton in the context of manufacturing jobs and the company's obligations in Canada. Brown said the city wants production to return to the facility, stating, "In terms of your specific question about Stellantis, we want Stellantis to bring back product. We got a great team there with Unifor Local 1285 that have contributed to the company's prosperity."

He also referenced a council motion opposing any attempt to dispose of the plant without meeting those obligations: "Our council actually passed a motion saying that they can't sell the plant. They can't run away from their obligations in Canada and think they can make a quick buck on the plant. That's a non-starter."

Motions

Passed: - Motion stating Stellantis cannot sell the Brampton plant or walk away from its Canadian obligations for a quick profit.

No rejected or deferred motions were identified in the provided meeting materials.

Attendees

• Patrick Brown
• Dennis Keenan
• Martin Medeiros
• Rowena Santos
• Paul Vicente