Top 5 things to know since Vaughan launched its plan to make roads safer a year ago

'As we begin the journey this year with elections, we can commit to saying that congestion is going to be less'

Thestar.com
March 30, 2022
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Although the next election isn’t until the fall, some Vaughan councillors are already making election promises, including measures to ease traffic gridlock.

Other related issues also seem to be priorities for councillors, such as traffic safety and population growth. There were two separate deadly traffic accidents in 2021 in which three children were killed. And the city has projected Vaughan's population to increase 36 per cent by 2031 and jobs to grow by 18 per cent.

Last year, the city formulated a new strategy -- MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy -- and it rolled out about 14 new reforms to reduce traffic and make roads safer.

"As we begin the journey this year with elections, we can commit to saying that congestion is going to be less because we have a system in place," regional and local Coun. Mario Ferri said during a March 2 meeting.

Ferri made the statement after questioning Peter Pilateris, director of transportation and fleet management services at the City of Vaughan, who presented council with the plan's first annual report. The councillor initially inquired about the difference this new system has made so far in light of the elections, especially when residents will be asking about the progress report.

Pilateris told him that the new management system, which was purchased last year, is currently receiving and processing migrating and historical data, and all of this would eventually work as a "central hub" from where decisions are made backed by "actual quantitative data."

On March 22, the city published its first annual report on this new plan and what it has achieved so far.

Here are the top five things about the plan.

1. A FIVE-YEAR-STRATEGY WAS SET IN PLACE LAST YEAR

The strategy is set to guide the city for five years.

“The strategy will be reviewed and updated every five years,” the city said. “Progress on its implementation is reported annually to council.”

The city also said that in the upcoming four years it will build a “road map” on its efforts as well as “encourage dedicated partners to assemble, work together and continue delivering efficient traffic services to Vaughan citizens.”

2. IT INCLUDES INPUT FROM 1,700 PEOPLE

 

The strategy was guided by input received from more than 1,700 people through a 2019 outreach program.

The program gathered input on travel and road safety priorities and values, helping Vaughan to get a feel for public transportation priorities.

3. CONTINUE ENFORCING SPEED LIMITS

After decreasing speed limits to 30 km/h on all public laneways, and to 40 km/h in school zones last year, the city is also planning to expand its radar speed board program after adding 15 new signs.

4. CONTINUE TO LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY

Be it more apps, sensors, cameras or LED lights, the city wants to use more technology to reduce traffic gridlock, record traffic data and accidents.

This is all happening as the city is planning to acquire and operate traffic management systems. This includes upgrading 25 signalized intersections with LED traffic signals with reflective backboards and pedestrian countdown timers.

“It also includes initiatives needed to maintain pavement markings and signs that will enhance safety and support sustainable mobility,” the city explained in its report.

5. YORK REGION'S SPEED CAMERA PROGRAM AS 'BLUEPRINT'

There are 12 automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras in York region. The region is in charge of them and is currently conducting a two-year study, which began in November 2020 and is estimated to cost $500,000.

The city said that after the completion of the ASE pilot project, the findings will serve as “blueprint for the city’s program.”

This will help in establishing criteria for candidate areas for ASE within the city. Staff will continue to work with York Region and other municipalities to advocate for an ASE program using an Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).

Click HERE to report the full report.