salvius
Active Member
Road safety blitz underway in Don Mills
Jan 14, 2008 11:47 AM
Amy Fuller
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/293816
Police have started targeting pedestrians and drivers who ignore the rules of the road at a busy intersection in the city’s northeast.
The blitz began this morning and continues until Jan. 24 at the intersection of Don Mills Rd. and Overlea Blvd.
In November, a TTC bus struck and killed a 77-year-old woman as she ran into traffic at the intersection. Police believe the woman was trying to catch the bus when she was fatally injured.
“It’s part and parcel of the reason why we’re here,†said Sgt. Brian Maslowski. “The traffic unit has designated this intersection as top priority.â€
Police are also focusing on this intersection because Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and Valley Park Middle School are located on the west side of Don Mills Rd. Students who frequent the variety store opposite Marc Garneau often cross the road mid-block instead of using the lights.
“Students are very hesitant to make the long trip around to use the lights,†Maslowski said.
Don Mills is a major arterial road that consists of six lanes, three running north and three south, with a posted speed limit of 60 km/h. Nearby ramps to and from the Don Valley Pkwy., as well as schools and residential highrises in the area, contribute to heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
This week and next, officers from 54 Division’s Collision Reduction team will nab speeding motorists and those who run red lights, as well as jaywalking pedestrians. Following the focused blitz, police will maintain enforcement and education efforts.
About 50 people were stopped this morning, Maslowski said. The fine for failing to use a crosswalk is $50, while speeding at 10 kilometres over the limit results in a fine of $40. Red light offenders face a $180 fine.
Despite increased enforcement last year, more collisions occurred at the site than in 2006. In 2007, 79 collisions took place, compared to 76 in 2006.
If this month’s program is successful, the Collision Reduction Intersection Safety Partnership could extend the strategy to other areas of the city.
Police are working with community members from the schools, residents, the City of Toronto and the Community and Police Liaison Committee on enforcement, education and design changes at the intersection.
“I’d like to see pedestrian barriers, red light cameras, countdown timers for pedestrians and increased signage prohibiting people from crossing at non-designated areas,†Maslowski said.
“It looks like some of these will be implemented at the end of the month. We’re really looking forward to that.â€
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I was pretty sure jaywalking is in fact not illegal in Toronto?
Jan 14, 2008 11:47 AM
Amy Fuller
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/293816
Police have started targeting pedestrians and drivers who ignore the rules of the road at a busy intersection in the city’s northeast.
The blitz began this morning and continues until Jan. 24 at the intersection of Don Mills Rd. and Overlea Blvd.
In November, a TTC bus struck and killed a 77-year-old woman as she ran into traffic at the intersection. Police believe the woman was trying to catch the bus when she was fatally injured.
“It’s part and parcel of the reason why we’re here,†said Sgt. Brian Maslowski. “The traffic unit has designated this intersection as top priority.â€
Police are also focusing on this intersection because Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and Valley Park Middle School are located on the west side of Don Mills Rd. Students who frequent the variety store opposite Marc Garneau often cross the road mid-block instead of using the lights.
“Students are very hesitant to make the long trip around to use the lights,†Maslowski said.
Don Mills is a major arterial road that consists of six lanes, three running north and three south, with a posted speed limit of 60 km/h. Nearby ramps to and from the Don Valley Pkwy., as well as schools and residential highrises in the area, contribute to heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
This week and next, officers from 54 Division’s Collision Reduction team will nab speeding motorists and those who run red lights, as well as jaywalking pedestrians. Following the focused blitz, police will maintain enforcement and education efforts.
About 50 people were stopped this morning, Maslowski said. The fine for failing to use a crosswalk is $50, while speeding at 10 kilometres over the limit results in a fine of $40. Red light offenders face a $180 fine.
Despite increased enforcement last year, more collisions occurred at the site than in 2006. In 2007, 79 collisions took place, compared to 76 in 2006.
If this month’s program is successful, the Collision Reduction Intersection Safety Partnership could extend the strategy to other areas of the city.
Police are working with community members from the schools, residents, the City of Toronto and the Community and Police Liaison Committee on enforcement, education and design changes at the intersection.
“I’d like to see pedestrian barriers, red light cameras, countdown timers for pedestrians and increased signage prohibiting people from crossing at non-designated areas,†Maslowski said.
“It looks like some of these will be implemented at the end of the month. We’re really looking forward to that.â€
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I was pretty sure jaywalking is in fact not illegal in Toronto?