Over the past few weeks, two plans have been unveiled in the City of Toronto which have reignited the debate over the competition for limited road space between commuters, commercial vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. In reaction to these trends, OTA will be hosting a meeting to discuss carrier perspectives on the issue outlined below in addition to any others carriers want to bring forward in the City of Toronto. This meeting will help OTA determine which issues are of most concern to carriers, and how you wish them represented at City Hall.
The first was the unveiling of a potential policy which could see the shrinking of the overall width of lanes on some roads to as low as three meters. In public statements city officials have indicated they believe wide lanes promote increased vehicle speed, and in turn by narrowing lanes, speed can be reduced in addition to creating more infrastructure capacity for cyclists and pedestrians. According to reports, the City of Toronto is considering a default width for curb lanes at 3.2 or 4.3 metres depending on the type of road and whether there is dedicated space for cyclists. Through-lanes may be reduced to 3 or 3.2 metres, based on the size of the road. OTA is concerned that, by reducing lane widths, the margin of error between all road users is decreased, increasing risk of contact and collisions.
Mayor Tory has also highlighted a ‘6-point traffic plan’ and indicated it is one of his key deliverables going forward. While details of the plan have yet to be fully revealed, one of the six points highlighted was centered on parking enforcement with a zero tolerance ‘no stopping’ policy on key routes during peak times.
At the same time, the City has also officially endorsed other potential projects such as the tearing down of the eastern portion of the Gardiner Expressway, to be replaced with a lower speed ‘boulevard’.
The meeting will be held Thurs December 18 at OTA offices — 555 Dixon Road, Toronto, or by teleconference.
Please confirm you attendance, either in person or to receive call in information with jonathan.blackham@184.107.41.74 by Tues. December 16th.