How the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) is Improving Road Safety in Waterloo Region

February 20, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Traffic enforcement plays a crucial role in preventing collisions and ensuring public safety. One of the key initiatives in the 2025 Road Safety Plan is the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), which aims to enhance road safety through targeted enforcement strategies.

What is STEP?

STEP is a proactive approach to traffic enforcement that focuses on specific locations and offences based on data analysis and public input. By identifying high-risk areas and traffic violations, officers can strategically deploy resources to maximize enforcement effectiveness.

There are two primary components of STEP:

1. Location-Driven Enforcement – This involves collecting and analyzing traffic data to pinpoint problematic locations. These locations may be identified through previous enforcement actions or public complaints. High-collision areas and locations prone to specific traffic violations are prioritized.

2. Offence-Driven Enforcement – This focuses on enforcing specific traffic laws, such as speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving, regardless of location. These violations are known to contribute to serious road accidents and require targeted enforcement.

Leveraging Technology for Smarter Enforcement

Since 2022, a Black CAT unit has been deployed to assist in STEP planning. This advanced traffic monitoring device collects data on traffic patterns, helping officers determine the most effective times and locations for enforcement. By using this technology, law enforcement agencies can allocate resources efficiently and address traffic concerns more effectively.

Community Collaboration and Accountability

The success of STEP depends on collaboration between law enforcement agencies, municipal partners, and the community. Neighbourhood Policing Divisional Leaders receive regular updates on STEP locations, ensuring that enforcement efforts remain responsive to emerging traffic concerns. These locations are updated quarterly based on input from municipal representatives and community feedback.

Moreover, officers are expected to conduct enforcement at designated STEP locations within their patrol zones. To ensure accountability, incidents related to STEP enforcement require the generation of an incident number, allowing for transparent tracking of enforcement efforts.

The Impact of STEP on Road Safety

By focusing on high-risk locations and driver behaviors, STEP aims to reduce traffic collisions and enhance overall road safety. The program not only encourages compliance with traffic laws but also fosters a culture of responsibility among drivers.

With the 2025 Road Safety Plan emphasizing targeted enforcement, data-driven decision-making, and community involvement, initiatives like STEP play a vital role in making Ontario’s roads safer for everyone. Through continuous improvement and collaboration, law enforcement agencies remain committed to reducing traffic incidents and enhancing public safety.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.