The frustration of getting nabbed unaware with a ticket issued by an automated speed enforcement (ASE) camera has many Ontario motorists actively avoiding roads known to be rigged with the devices.

A new study from CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) reveals how this technology is shaping drivers' route planning and road behaviour.

The study, which also delves into dangerous driving habits in the province, found that a shocking 40 per cent of Ontario drivers surveyed said they will actively avoid roads with ASE.

A similar number, at 35 per cent of respondents, acknowledged that the rising penalties and fines for speeding and stunt driving have been a factor in how they now drive — increasing from 28 per cent in 2023.

Motorists also seem overwhelmingly in agreement about the efficacy of automated enforcement, with 78 per cent agreeing that the devices deter dangerous driving and 70 per cent saying they will slow down for an ASE camera.

"It is no surprise that Ontario motorists are in favour of stricter penalties as speeding and dangerous driving continue to be an issue," says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO.

"What is surprising, however, is that despite the support for ASE, four out of 10 Ontario drivers will actively avoid roads where an ASE is present, an increase from last year."

Despite an aversion to using roads with ASE devices, motorists surveyed in the study stood overwhelmingly in favour of the devices on all types of streets.

Most notably, 84 per cent were in favour of the devices near schools and 81 per cent support their use near community centres.

The CAA notes that 17 per cent of Ontario drivers — representing over 1.5 million people — have been ticketed by an ASE camera.

"CAA SCO continues to advocate for road safety for all road users," says Stewart. "Our hope is that through education and awareness of the repercussions, we can begin to see a steady decrease in dangerous driving across all roads."