New Queens Quay becoming dangerous driving route: police

Unclear signage and careless driving are making Toronto’s new Queens Quay one of the most dangerous traffic routes in the city, Toronto Police say.

“Essentially, it is becoming very dangerous for an individual to use the area because they’re not following the rules,” said Toronto Police Const. Clint Stibbe.

There have been at least five accidents and countless traffic infractions since Queens Quay reopened earlier in June. The most common infractions are illegal left turns and cars crossing streetcar tracks where transit has the right of way, police said.

Part of the problem, Stibbe said, is that the rules aren’t very clear.

“It’s sort of like anarchy on a small scale,” said nearby resident Harry Pasternak who has taken several photos of cars performing dangerous and illegal maneuvers.

Waterfront Toronto, the company who unveiled the redesigned Queens Quay, says it is concerned and is looking into making changes to the signs and land markings to make the area safer for all those passing through.

“We’re looking at can we modify where the signals are…to make it more intuitive for people so they understand,” said Waterfront Toronto spokesperson David Kursturin.

Toronto Police will also provide more daily enforcement in the area to make help reduce the number of infractions.

Police are asking drivers to be particularly careful when driving through the Queens Quay area.

With a report from Natalie Johnson