Toronto Mayor John Tory’s plan to combat gridlock includes a policy to tow cars and trucks in the New Year, including “commercial vehicles”, that are blocking major routes during peak travel times.
The “zero-tolerance policy” for illegally parked vehicles is part of a six-point plan he announced today. The Mayor indicated the policy would begin on Jan. 1 after a month-long education campaign.
Tory said that parking enforcement officers will be reassigned from residential areas to major thoroughfares and intersections during peak traffic periods.
He added there will be “no exceptions” to the rule, including vehicles with out-of-province plates.
Other aspects of the plan include:
- A road closures committee to co-ordinate events, major closures and TTC closures to make sure there is always a route free for drivers.
- A traffic enforcement team, which will install more traffic cameras and work with the media to monitor slowdowns.
- More signal lights, re-timed to help ease congestion during peak hours.
- Higher fees for lane closures relating to private development projects.
- Incentives for public sector projects to be completed faster, along with extended work hours.