Expansion of “Watch Your Speed” Program

Issue/Background:

The purpose of this Briefing Note is to advise of recent changes to Transportation Services’ “Watch Your Speed” program.

The objective of this program is to increase compliance with the posted speed limit and increase public awareness of speeding in communities.  The program uses large signs which measure and post the speed of approaching vehicles. The speed display is large enough that it can be read by the approaching driver and area residents.  This equipment does not issue speeding tickets.  Toronto Police Service endorses this program and enforcement may be scheduled at locations where “Watch Your Speed” is operating.

In previous years, the program operated from March to November of each year. Four trailers, one for each District, were used to mount and move the equipment to each location. Due to road snow storage requirements on the boulevard, trailers were not used during the winter season.  The new speed signs, which do not require space consuming trailers, were tested throughout the summer months.  The new signs permit the program to now operate year round as the speed boards require minimal room on the boulevard.

Key Points:

1. How has Expansion Been Accomplished

• Trailers are replaced by self contained speed boards (see attachment);
• Speed boards can be pole or stand mounted;
• Speed boards do not require trailers and therefore less space is needed on the boulevard; and
• Program can be operated year round which will allow for the scheduling of more locations.

2. What has Not Changed

• The equipment does not issue speeding tickets;
• Locations are selected by suggestions from Councillors, police, public requests and Traffic Operations staff;
• Locations are not scheduled on weekends due to the fact that batteries are being recharged; and
• Toronto Police Service endorses this program and enforcement may be scheduled at locations where “Watch Your Speed” is operating.

3. Schedules

The program will operate for 5 days at each location.

For information regarding schedules or to make a request, please contact your District Traffic Operations Representative:

Representative District Wards

Joe Gallippi
Toronto and East York Wards 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Bruce Clayton
Etobicoke and York Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 17

Jack Sinopoli
North York Wards 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34

Al Burrows
Scarborough Wards 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44

4. Public Information

An information sign mounted on “Watch Your Speed” installation advises the public that the program information can be obtained by calling the Transportation Services TripInfo Line, at (416) 599-9090, Program #155. This service allows callers to make requests.

Please review the following attachments for further information -
Watch Your Speed Program – 2010 Presentation
Watch Your Speed Program – North District 2010 Schedule