Traffic Safety Program
York Region’s goal is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. The safety of all Regional roads and intersections is appraised yearly. Based on the results, York Region can see which roads and intersections can be improved. The findings are then used to; enforce the law, improve the design of new roads, make improvements to existing roads and intersections and raise public awareness.
Safety Measures
At priority locations on Regional roads, new measures are in place to; improve safety, slow motorists down, prevent collisions and protect the most vulnerable road users. Data is gathered to measure effectiveness and support future road safety plans.
Learn more about our traffic safety initiatives below:
Featured Measures
No right turn on red signal
York Region took positive steps in 2022 to increase safety for all road users at seven intersections in the City of Markham by implementing no right turns on red.
In June 2019, York Region Staff presented to Regional Council a Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Improvements report and a Results of Pedestrian and Cyclist Pilot Measures report was presented in October 2021, with results of the pedestrian and cyclist pilot measures implemented at the four pilot Regional intersections.
Staff are continuing to study intersections where No Right Turn on Red (NROR) measures were implemented and explore options to reduce delays for motorists while continuing to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The studies include observation and assessment of any road user concerns and offer further improvements.
Speed limit revisions
To keep pedestrians and cyclists safe, drivers need to take extra care and slow down, especially when travelling through school areas, residential areas and near playgrounds. York Region continues to identify strategies and measures to change driver behaviour and stop speeding.
York Regional Council approved revisions to speed limits at 10 locations on Regional roads.
To notify travellers of the speed limit changes, speed limit signs are placed at the beginning of each changed speed zone, and for the first 60 to 90 days include a sign on the top with the word “NEW”.
Line painting for street parking
York Region painted lines for street parking on High Street, from River Street to West Street, in the Town of Georgina. The organized painted parking spaces will prevent vehicles from blocking driveways, fire hydrants and transit stops. This measure also helps improve sightlines and provides natural traffic calming.
All way stops
Locations
Town of East Gwillimbury
- Bathurst Street and Holland Landing Road
- Kennedy Road and Herald Road
Town of Georgina
- Ravenshoe Road and Victoria Street
- Dalton Road and Baseline Road
City of Markham
- Major Mackenzie Drive and Reesor Road
Results of safety measure implementation
- Angle collisions decreased by 60% to 100%
- Turning collisions decreased by 50% to 100%
Automated speed enforcement
Locations
One mobile camera rotates around 12 community safety zones covering 19 schools
Results of safety measure implementation
-
Operation speeds reduced by approximately 10 km/h
-
Speed limit compliance increased by approximately 25%
Lane realignment
Location
Township of King
-
Highway 27 between King Road and Mactaggart Drive
Results of safety measure implementation
- Collisions decreased by 32%
Pedestrian crossovers
Locations
Town of East Gwillimbury
-
Yonge Street at Holland Landing Community Centre
Town of Georgina
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Baseline Road, near Dalton Road
City of Richmond Hill
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Major Mackenzie Drive and Bathurst Street
City of Vaughan
-
Islington Avenue and Rutherford Road
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Highway 27 and Highway 7
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
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Ninth Line and Elm Road
Results of safety measure implementation
-
Studies pending
Pedestrian and cyclist pilot
Locations
City of Markham
-
Yonge Street and Clark Avenue
City of Richmond Hill
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Major Mackenzie Drive and Bayview Avenue
City of Vaughan
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Bathurst Street and Carrville/Rutherford Road
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Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue
Results:
-
Collisions reduced by 60%
-
Angle collision reduced by 75%
Red light cameras
Locations
- 40 camera locations across the Region
Results of safety measure implementation
- Angle collisions decreased by 33%
Roundabouts
Locations
Township of King
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Lloydtown-Aurora Road and Keele Street
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
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Ninth Line and Bayberry Street
Roundabouts in other jurisdictions include:
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Highway 48 and Bloomington Road
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Lake Ridge Road and Pefferlaw Road
Results of safety measure implementation
-
Collisions decreased by 80%
-
Injury/fatal collisions decreased by 88%
Speed limit revisions in school zones
Locations
-
At more than 60 school zones
Results of safety measure implementation
- Studies pending
Slow School Zone Pavement Markings
Locations
Town of Georgina
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Our Lady of the Lake Catholic College School
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Prince of Peace Catholic Elementary School
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Jersey Public School
City of Vaughan
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Father John Kelly Catholic Elementary School
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
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Ballantrae Public School
Results of safety measure implementation
-
Travel speed decreased 13% to 22%
-
Speed limit compliance improved 15% to 48%
SpeedWATCH Boards
Locations
- 25 boards rotate around the Region every three to four months
Results of safety measure implementation
-
Travel speed decreased 13% to 20%
-
Speed limit compliance improved 31% to 51%
Traffic Signals
New Locations
Completed and planned:
Town of Aurora
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Wellington Street and Kaleia Avenue/Elyse Court
City of Markham
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York Durham Line and 16th Avenue
City of Vaughan
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Dufferin Street and Maurier Boulevard
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
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Vivian Road and Kennedy Road
-
Aurora Road and Ninth Line
Results of safety measure implementation
- Collisions decreased by 17% to 100%
Plans and Reports
York Region is developing a multi-year Traveller Safety Plan 2024-2027 to help promote road safety. The Plan will include local and Regional roads and is led by industry professionals, consultants and road safety partners.
The Annual Traffic Safety Report is produced by the Transportation Services Department. The purpose of this report is to provide an understanding of road safety trends on York Region roads. In addition, this report supports the planning and execution of coordinated law enforcement, road safety improvements, and public education campaigns for travellers in York Region.
Previous Editions
Safety Tips
For Motorists
Motorists play a very important role in keeping the streets safe. There are some simple things that motorists can do to make sure that they can see pedestrians when it is dark out and avoid collisions:
- Approach intersections with caution
- Make full stops at stop signs
- Keep windshields clean, both inside and out
- Adjust driving to the conditions of the road
- Keep windshield wipers in good repair
- Obey speed limits in school areas, school zones and community safety zones
Learn more about sharing the road with other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, on the Ministry of Transportation's website.
Travelling through construction zones
Many construction workers are injured or killed each year when working on roads. When driving through construction zones motorists must:
- Slow down early when approaching construction zones
- Be patient and obey signs and signal persons
- Merge well in advance when lanes are being funnelled down
- Avoid lane changes, give yourself extra following space and be ready to stop
- Do not speed up quickly when leaving construction zones
- Do not pass construction vehicles when their amber lights are flashing
- Plan ahead and expect delays
For Pedestrians
The clothing that pedestrians wear can play an important part in keeping them safe while walking, running or cycling. Pedestrians can make sure that motorists can see them at night by:
- Wearing reflective clothing
- Attaching a small flashing light to their clothing
- Only crossing the street at intersections and crosswalks
- Wearing light or bright colours instead of dark clothing
- Obeying all pedestrian signals
Travelling through construction zones
- It is very important to obey ALL work zone signs, workers and pavement markings
- Watch where you are going. Your primary responsibility is to walk through the work zone as safely as you can
- Orange Work Zone Signs – these signs communicate to drivers and pedestrians what is going on and how to travel safely through the work zone. They can also indicate that a sidewalk is closed and that a detour must be taken
- Pavement Markings –painted or taped lines on the pavement separate car travel lanes and can also indicate pedestrian walking paths
- During construction, some sidewalks may be closed. Pedestrians may be required to move to the other side of the road or to a temporary pedestrian walkway
- Use designated pedestrian crosswalks and traffic lights to cross the street before reaching a construction zone and DO NOT cross in the middle of the road
- Please DO NOT walk on the roadway beside the barriers
- Please be alert and aware of your surroundings when travelling near construction areas
For E-scooters and E-bikes
E-Bikes
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are becoming a popular way to get around York Region.
Know the rules of the road so you can ride safely:
- Wear a helmet
- Only ride where permitted
- Be visible
- Be courteous
Know the rules of the road
To operate an e-bike, you MUST be 16 years or older.
E-bike operators MUST follow the rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act. The same rules as regular cyclists apply. There are fines for violations.
It is illegal to modify the electric motor of an e-bike to make it more powerful or increase its speed.
Wear a helmet
All e-bike riders MUST wear a CSA-approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
Only ride where permitted
Before planning your trip by e-bike, check with your local town, city or region for relevant bylaws as to where you can ride.
Be courteous
Always yield to pedestrians – slow on approach, ring bell or horn, pass on the left.
Use a bell to alert others that you are approaching.
Be visible
Wear reflective clothing. There are requirements for lights, a bell / horn, reflectors and reflective materials.
If you require a bike light or bell contact @email (while quantities last).
Resources
Bicycle safety: yrp.ca/bikesafety
Cycling maps and resources: york.ca/cycling
E-bike requirements and information: ontario.ca/transportation
E-Scooters
Electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) are becoming a popular way to get around York Region.
Know the rules of the road so you can ride safely:
- Wear a helmet
- Only ride where permitted
- Be visible
- Be courteous
Know the rules of the road
To operate an e-scooter, you MUST be 16 years or older.
Passengers, cargo and baskets are NOT permitted.
E-scooter operators MUST follow the rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act. The same rules as regular cyclists apply. There are fines for violations.
It is illegal to modify the motor of an e-scooter to make it more powerful or increase its speed.
Wear a helmet
All e-scooter riders under 18 years of age MUST wear a CSA-approved bicycle helmet. Helmets are recommended for all ages.
Only ride where permitted
Before planning your trip, check with your local town, city or region for relevant bylaws as to where you can ride.
Be visible
Wear reflective clothing and use reflective equipment. A front and back light, reflective tape, and a bell / horn are required.
Be courteous
Always yield to pedestrians – slow on approach, ring the bell or horn to alert that you are approaching, pass on the left. If you require a bike light or bell contact @email (while quantities last).
Resources
Bicycle safety: yrp.ca/bikesafety
Cycling maps and resources: york.ca/cycling
E-scooter pilot and requirements: ontario.ca/escooters
Safety Videos
For Motorists
For Pedestrians
For Children
For Teens
Road Safety Events 2023
December
- Leave Space Campaign (snowplows, buses, trucks)
- Visibility Campaign
Road Safety Calendar 2023 (PDF)
