Red light camera in place at busy Mississauga intersection known for crashes

A red light camera is up and running at a busy north Mississauga intersection that’s become “notorious” for red light runners and crashes.

The enforcement camera has been installed by the Region of Peel at Finch Avenue West and Longo Circle/Darcel Avenue in Malton, and it has already begun catching motorists speeding through red lights.

Mississauga Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish said in a post to social media that area residents and drivers have been waiting for the camera for a long time.

“Heavy trucks speeding, running red lights and multiple accidents are common at this location. Hopefully, a few huge fines will slow things down to a safe speed,” Parrish wrote.

The busy intersection, located just west of Highway 427, has been known in recent years for red light runners and many collisions.

In a post to social media earlier this summer, Parrish noted that Peel Regional Police helped “make the case” for the installation of the camera by supplying numerous accident reports detailing crashes at the intersection.

A red light camera has been set up at Finch Avenue West and Longo Circle in the Malton area of Mississauga.

Several people who commented on Parrish’s earlier post applauded the enforcement move, with one suggesting that red light cameras may be needed at other locations as well.

“I see at least one car run a red light on a daily basis on either Goreway (Dr.) or Derry Rd. Definitely a huge issue (at Finch Ave./Longo Circle) too. Many negligent drivers. Hopefully this is a deterrent.”

Of the new red light camera, Parrish said earlier that “It will be very expensive for speeders through that intersection. Tickets are automatic to the vehicle (caught) on camera.”

During discussion at the Region of Peel last fall, when the red light camera at the intersection in question was being considered, Parrish made the case for installing the device.

“What’s happening there is people or trucks are bombing down Finch to get to the (Highway) 427 ramp,” she said at the time. “And they’re going through that red light constantly.”

Mayor Bonnie Crombie agreed, adding during the same discussion that she was familiar with the problems at the intersection.

“I know the intersection; it is notorious,” Crombie said.

A red light camera costs about $45,000 per year to operate, according to the Region of Peel.

–with files from Karen Longwell

Map shows location of the Malton intersection.