Signs and barricades tell drivers to slow down in Mississauga neighbourhoods
Published June 30, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Residents in a number of Mississauga neighbourhoods may have noticed signs of increased efforts to slow down speeding drivers in recent days.
In its ongoing, multi-front effort to clamp down on lead-footed motorists who race along neighbourhood streets–especially near schools and play areas–at unsafe speeds, the City of Mississauga has rolled out its “Slow Street” signs in some communities.
The signs, along with other “traffic devices” that physically narrow targeted streets to vehicle traffic, are intended as temporary traffic calming measures that slow cars down as they pass the apparatus, which is erected in the middle of the road.
The traffic calming devices include barricades, flexible bollards and barrels, along with the signage.
Mississauga officials note on the City’s Twitter page that the overall objective is to “encourage drivers to slow down and limit traffic to local vehicles.”
Additionally, the City says, the goal is to “provide more space for you to move, like walking, (using a) wheelchair or cycling.”
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To request a “Slow Street” setup or report a broken or moved sign, residents can call the City’s info line at 311.
The “Slow Streets” program, formerly known as “Quiet Streets,” was launched by the City in 2020.
“Slow Streets gives pedestrians and cyclists space to move around safely,” City officials say in an online description of the program. “They provide space for all road users and reduce speeding and aggressive driving behaviour.”
The targeted roadways remain accessible to all traffic and allow for the passage of two-way traffic including emergency, road maintenance and waste management vehicles.
The traffic calming measures are removed beginning in November to allow winter maintenance vehicles access to streets.
“Slow Streets” measures are not used on the following:
- major collector or arterial roadways
- multi-lane roadways
- roadways with MiWay bus routes
- roadways where the equipment cannot be safely accommodated
- roadways with significant on-street parking
The City also offers “Slow Down” lawn signs to residents through its “Slow Streets” program.
The lawn signs are produced by the City and available to residents who want to do their part to fight speeding and aggressive driving near their homes.
Those who want a sign can call 311 to place their order.
City officials say the objective is to encourage safe driving and to lower vehicle speeds on city streets, especially in neighbourhoods where children are playing.
Despite concerted efforts by the City and Peel Regional Police to slow down speeding drivers over the years, it continues to be a problem in Mississauga–particularly in and around school zones.
While the City’s Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) camera program has nabbed numerous speeders the last two years or so, the behaviour continues.
In erecting the “Slow Down” signs, residents must ensure they don’t create any obstruction or hazard for drivers. The signs must only be placed directly on or in front of your property, be set back at least two feet from the curb or road edge, not obstruct the road, median, traffic island, sidewalk, bike path or multi-use trail, be placed three metres or more from a fire hydrant, and be inserted into the ground using the provided wire frame only.
