In the past year, Toronto experienced the lowest number of traffic-related fatalities in the last decade, coinciding with the removal of a significant road safety initiative from the city. Recent data reveals that 39 individuals lost their lives on Toronto’s roads in 2025, a decrease from the already reduced numbers in 2020 due to the pandemic restrictions. The fatalities included 19 pedestrians, 12 motorists, five motorcyclists, two cyclists, and one involving “micromobility” users.
This marks a significant decline compared to a decade ago when the city recorded double the number of traffic deaths. The implementation of the Vision Zero strategy in response to the high fatality rates in 2016 aimed to eliminate traffic-related deaths. The strategy involved various road safety measures such as street redesigns to discourage speeding, the introduction of speed cameras, and red light cameras.
Over the past decade, the city has witnessed a general downward trend in traffic fatalities since the introduction of the Vision Zero plan. Despite the success, concerns have been raised as one of the key components of the initiative, the city’s speed cameras, were removed following new provincial legislation, despite evidence indicating their effectiveness in reducing speeding and the public’s support for their presence.
Premier Doug Ford’s government replaced the speed cameras with warning signs to deter speeding, citing them as an ineffective measure. Advocates, including road safety groups and city officials, have expressed apprehension about the potential impact on traffic safety, particularly around schools, where many cameras were installed. Despite the setback, Vision Zero’s manager emphasized the multiple safety measures in place, including speed humps, school crossing guard programs, and red light cameras, to ensure road safety.
While progress has been made towards achieving the Vision Zero goal, concerns persist regarding the safety of pedestrians and the design of streets prioritizing vehicle speed over safety. Despite the challenges, efforts continue to enhance road safety measures and work towards reducing traffic fatalities in Toronto.