Toronto police target ‘most congestion-causing violations’ in 3-month enforcement campaign

A Toronto police officer manages traffic in a construction zone in Toronto on Monday, May 11, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Toronto police are making a concerted effort to reduce traffic congestion and keep roads moving.

On Monday, the Parking Enforcement and Traffic Services units launched a three-month enforcement campaign.

From now until roughly the middle of January, officers will be increasing enforcement of Highway Traffic Act and City of Toronto bylaw offences in the city’s downtown core.

They’ll be targeting the “most congestion-causing violations, including no stopping, no parking, and blocking the box offences,” as well as focusing on traffic safety enforcement, “with an emphasis on prohibited turns, speeding, distracted driving, and traffic signal violations.”

This increased enforcement will occur from Bloor to Front streets and from Bathurst to Jarvis streets between 3 and 7 p.m. daily.

Speaking with CP24 on Tuesday afternoon, Sgt. Brett Moore, of Toronto police’s Traffic Services, said this campaign will entail a heightened presence of police and parking enforcement officers, especially during the afternoon rush hour in the downtown core.

Police say this “intensification” of their existing rush hour enforcement operations is aimed at reminding drivers about the importance of obeying traffic signage and laws to help keep traffic moving, especially during the busiest times of the day.

He said over the next three months members of his unit’s motor squad officers, along with some officers from local divisions, will be engaging with drivers who commit what are known as “moving violations,” which can cause congestion like distractions, prohibited turns, and blocking the box.

“Really the message to drivers is (to) expect police to be around. If you’re parked in a no parking, no stopping zone in the rush hour, you’re going to get a ticket for sure,” Moore said, adding police working on this campaign will also be engaging with construction companies to ensure their permits are in order and that they’re following them, notably not blocking the roads during rush hours.

“If we can tow you, we will, and really you’re just going to see a real presence on the roads.”

Congestion enforcement project aims to ‘change behaviour’: police

The sergeant added that parking enforcement is a normal aspect of policing in the city, but this collaborative effort will enhance that and provide support from other officers through a so-called congestion team.

More than just a campaign or a blitz, he said it is a project that aims to modify the way people drive in the city.

“We really want to get folks to change behaviour and just not fall back into bad habits after we leave,” said Moore.

One of the biggest congestion-inducing things motorists do, he said, is to use their four-way flashers to park illegally. “Walking the box” is another, he said, when drivers don’t leave enough “eye lead” in anticipation of traffic stopping and find themselves jammed up in the middle of the intersection.

Those who choose to commit these kinds of offences could face some hefty fines. Stopping on a rush hour route can set you back a $300 fine, while blocking the box comes with a $450 penalty, Moore noted. Other violations could even cost motorists demerit points if they fall under the Highway Traffic Act.

“Officers will lay tickets where needed and vehicles can be towed if necessary. If a driver chooses not to obey any of these laws, they can face tickets costing up to $615,” Toronto police said in an Oct. 20 news release.

Moore said there should be no issues if drivers follow the rules of the road.

“Listen, it’s not a gotcha thing. … These are the old rules. We’re just enhancing it with a little bit more presence,” he said.

“Look where the signs are, but if you find yourself in the wrong spot, I almost guarantee you’re going to see somebody behind you.”

The results of this initiative will be reviewed at the end of the three-month period, assessing its impact and determining next steps.