Drivers will be fined for doing this at intersections in Mississauga

Drivers in Mississauga will soon have to reach into their wallets if they’re caught “blocking the box” at any of the city’s numerous intersections controlled by traffic lights.

More to the point, such offenders could be fined $125 if they block signalized intersections as the City of Mississauga looks to make roads safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

On the heels of sweeping parking fine increases introduced back in April, city officials have now decided it’s time to slap financial penalties on motorists who clog up intersections.

City council unanimously approved a motion on July 30 from Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko that called for the $125 penalty, among other measures, in efforts to clean up traffic safety issues at signalized intersections — where large numbers of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can be found at any given time vying for space and clear routes.

Unlike some other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga does not have a set fine for blocking signalized intersections, Dasko said in his motion. Before Mississauga can introduce any such financial penalty, it must seek and receive approval from the province’s Ministry of the Attorney General.

Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko introduced the motion calling on Mississauga to get tougher on drivers who block intersections.

Blocking an intersection, a traffic infraction also known as “blocking the box,” happens when a vehicle enters an intersection controlled by a traffic signal on a green or amber light when there is no reasonable expectation the driver will make it all the way through before the light turns red.

The car then becomes stuck in the middle of the intersection, blocking other vehicles, including emergency vehicles and transit/school buses, in addition to pedestrians and cyclists.

Dasko said such traffic enforcement measures, something “that had a little bit of teeth to it,” are needed in Canada’s seventh-largest city.

“It’s a growing issue” as the population of the city has increased significantly over the years, the councillor said at the late July meeting of city council.

Ward 2 Coun. Alvin Tedjo said the city’s decision is a great step forward in showing leadership on the road safety issue.

Ward 2 Coun. Alvin Tedjo, who seconded the motion, added Toronto has poured resources into clamping down on drivers who “block the box” and it’s now time Mississauga did likewise.

“… we need to start moving forward with something here in the city as we find more and more intersections being affected by this,” said Tedjo, adding the blocking of intersections not only poses a danger to people’s safety but also creates even more gridlock.

“Great step forward”

“This includes people making those (left turns) well after the intersection has changed over direction, which just slows everyone else down,” he continued. “And when they’re stuck, it just totally backs everyone else up and then creates more chaos and incentivizes more people to break the rules.”

Tedjo said council’s decision “is a great step forward for us to start showing leadership on this issue.”

Council’s resolution also calls for:

• The city to initiate a “Don’t SIT (Safe Intersection Traffic)” program to help fight road congestion and enhance road safety as part of an ongoing commitment to making travel safer and more efficient for all road users.
• The city’s legal services department to be authorized to apply to the province for a set fine of $125 for intersection blocking infractions.
• Transportation and works staff to install signs at strategic intersections where traffic congestion is a concern.
• Transportation and works staff to engage with Peel Regional Police to enhance enforcement efforts targeting drivers who block intersections, particularly during peak traffic hours.
• City staff to develop a concept for a public education and awareness campaign to address blocking intersections that will be presented to the Road Safety Committee for its input and approval.

In raising the issue earlier this year, Tedjo said “blocking the box” is an infraction that “significantly impedes traffic flow and increases the risk of accidents involving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

Last September, the City of Toronto introduced dramatic increases in cash penalties for blocking intersections, upping the fine to $450 from $90 at most intersections and to $500 from $120 in community safety zones.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said at the time “blocking the box” is a serious safety concern that puts vulnerable road users at risk and disrupts traffic flow.