Changes Coming to Roads and Traffic in Mississauga
Published September 3, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Now that summer is over and students are back in class, the roads in and around Mississauga are likely to become a little more congested–especially as families get used to the school year grind.
For that reason, the City of Mississauga is reminding residents to obey traffic laws and be on the lookout for further changes to local traffic management techniques in the coming weeks and months.
“For many, back to school is an exciting time; however, it is also a time where we need everyone to be more vigilant when it comes to road safety,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a news release.
“Back to school brings increased traffic, additional vehicles on roadways and more people walking, cycling or getting dropped off at different locations. Whether you walk, ride your bike or drive to school, we are committed to working with our community partners to keep our pedestrians, cyclists and drivers safe.”
Not unexpectedly, the city is emphasizing the need for extra caution around schools, as some younger children will be walking to and from school alone for the first time.
“Drivers are encouraged to take extra safety precautions as students return to school and keep road safety top of mind,” said Pat Saito, Ward 9 Councillor and Chair of the City’s Road Safety Committee.
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“For some students, this is the first year they are walking to school without a parent. It’s a busy time on the roads and we all have a responsibility to get our students safely to and from school.”
And while back to school time typically prompts renewed focus on road safety, municipalities–Mississauga included–have been working to increase vigilance in the wake of multiple high-profile pedestrian deaths.
Last December, Peel police called for increased caution after four pedestrians were struck in separate incidents across Brampton and Mississauga over the course of two days.
At that time in 2018, 37 pedestrians had been killed on Peel roadways.
So, what’s the city doing to ensure better road safety right now?
Using Crossing Guards: The city says it has more than 200 school crossing guards who have been ready since the first day of school to help students at designated crossings around Mississauga.
Offering Please Slow Down Lawn Signs: Residents who are concerned about speeding vehicles can post a Please Slow Down lawn sign to encourage drivers to slow down on neighbourhood streets. These signs are free to obtain.
Traffic Calming: City staff are currently planning the construction of traffic calming projects in five neighbourhoods to change driver behaviour, with additional traffic calming projects anticipated this fall. The city is also implementing a number of passive traffic calming techniques in the form of white painted edge lines and a yellow centreline. These markings have been successful in other areas by visually reducing the travelled width of the roadway, making it less comfortable for motorists to speed.
Pedestrian Crossovers: The city installed five new pedestrian crossovers in various neighbourhoods last year. A pedestrian crossover is a type of crossing where by law, drivers are required to stop for pedestrians intending to cross the road. Crossovers allow pedestrians to cross roads safely, and all have specific signs and pavement markings. Pedestrian crossovers have proven to be an effective way to assist pedestrians in crossing the road safely.
Vision Zero: In early 2018, Council approved Vision Zero, a framework which focuses on the prevention of fatalities and injuries due to motor vehicle collisions. It is based on a system of shared responsibilities among all partners involved in the road system, including governments, planners, police and community organizations.
Transportation Master Plan: The city’s first Transportation Master Plan (TMP) was endorsed by council this year. The plan outlines a vision, six goals and over 90 action items to guide the future of the city’s transportation system from today to 2041. Inherent in the plan is a commitment to advancing Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and injuries.
Do you feel safe on the roads in Mississauga?
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