Results from York Region’s Traveller Safety Plan showing increased safety on Regional roads
Newmarket – York Regional Council received an update on The Regional Municipality of York’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan Year 1 Results, with early results showing a decrease in severe collisions on Regional roads in 2024.
“Early results from the plan show real, measurable improvements in road safety. We thank all our travellers who are doing their part by slowing down, respecting posted speed limits and helping make our roads safer for everyone,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. "Results signal a strong start, driven by growing travel demand and population. York Region and our partners remain committed to traveller safety, and we will continue building on this momentum to advance our Vision Zero goals.”
York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, approved by York Regional Council in March 2024, aims to reduce severe collisions (involving injury or death) by 10% over five years. The Traveller Safety Plan is supported by industry professionals, consultants and road safety partners, including York Regional Police.
In 2024, over 10,000 collisions occurred on Regional and local roads. Severe collisions (those involving injury or death) remained 5% below forecasted levels, about 150 fewer incidents, indicating early success of safety efforts. York Region also saw a 2% reduction in aggressive, distracted and impaired driving collisions.
"York Region continues to demonstrate road safety remains a top priority, especially for vulnerable road users," said Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas, Chair of Public Works - Transportation Services. "Achieving our goal of a 10% reduction in severe collisions over five years requires ongoing collaboration among all partners committed to safer roads across York Region."
In 2024, York Region and its partners completed safety improvements at 225 locations, focusing on protecting vulnerable road users and reducing aggressive driving. Key enhancements included:
- High friction pavement and “Slow Down” markings
- Automated speed enforcement (ASE)
- Senior zones and extended pedestrian signal times
- Gateway safety features in rural communities
- Fully protected left-turn signals
As safety improvements are rolled out, their full impact may take time. The Region will continue tracking progress, reviewing targets and implementing new initiatives.
Key Facts
York Region’s Traveller Safety Plan is one of Ontario’s first multi-tier road safety initiatives, developed in collaboration with local municipalities and aligned with the York Regional Police Road Safety Strategy
York Region continues to consult with the public to help shape the plan, including a virtual information centre with over 200 comments received and outreach reaching more than 2 million people
The Region continues to use diverse communication channels to inform and involve residents, supported by ongoing education and awareness campaigns
To learn more, visit york.ca/TravellerSafetyPlan
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.29 million residents and 57,000 businesses with approximately 624,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices
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Media Contact
Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Cell: 437-997-6821
Email: @email
