April 22, 1998

 To:Toronto Community Council

 From:Andrew Koropeski, Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation Division, City Works Services

 Subject:Lane System bounded by Rhodes Avenue, Danforth Avenue, Coxwell Avenue and Hanson Street - Adjustment to the height requirements respecting speed bumps

(East Toronto)

 Purpose:

 To provide some degree of flexibility to the height requirements respecting speed bumps in public laneways.

 Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement

 Not applicable.

 Recommendations:

 1) That the existing "75 mm" speed bump height requirement for laneways as noted in Municipal Code Chapter 400-48 B, Schedule XVII in '400-70 and shown on Drawing Nos. 421F-2901-94, 421F-3047 and 421F-3048 (copies attached) be adjusted to indicate a height range of 50.0 mm to 75.0 mm.

 2) That the speed bump height range requirement as noted in Recommendation No. 1 be made applicable to all existing and/or newly proposed laneway systems utilizing speed bumps; and

 3) That the appropriate City Officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto including the introduction in Council of any Bills that may be required.

 Comments:

 At the request of Councillor Tom Jakobek, Works Services has investigated the feasibility of lowering the height of the speed bumps in the laneway at the rear of Premises Nos. 603 and 659 Rhodes Avenue and adjacent to Premises Nos. 688 Coxwell Avenue and 731 Rhodes Avenue from the existing height of 75 mm to a proposed height of 70 mm.

 The City=s speed bump programme in public laneways was initiated in response to ongoing safety concerns expressed by members of Council and area residents regarding speeding in public laneways. To address these concerns, the former City of Toronto Council at its meeting of August 10, 1992, enacted By-law No. 554-92 "a by-law to designate parts of certain lanes as speed control zones, to authorize the installation of speed control devices and to provide for the marking of the speed control zones and devices by signs", which was subsequently incorporated into Chapter 400-28 (B) of the City of Toronto Municipal Code.

 Since its inception, the programme has proven to be successful in curtailing speed in public lanes and approximately 200 lanes have had speed bumps installed. Although staff have had to make minor adjustments or alterations at some of the existing speed bump locations, for example, relocating a bump within the permissible 5m range, enhancing signage and/or line painting (as permitted within the provisions of the Municipal Code), it appears that there is a growing concern that consideration should be given to lower existing speed bump heights at some locations.

 It has been suggested that in some instances newer model vehicles tend to be lower to the ground and when travelling at low speeds of 30 km/h or less, the height of the speed bumps may cause damage to the underbody or customized accessories on such vehicles. Any measures to significantly reduce the existing speed bump height would not be practicable, because if the bumps are too low, there would be no incentive for motorists to "slow down". Given that the programme has proven to be an effective measure in deterring speed, staff could deal with such situations on a site specific basis and where necessary, marginally reduce the speed bump height at problematic locations.

Therefore, the existing height requirement, as stipulated in the Municipal Code respecting speed bumps should be adjusted to provide some flexibility as noted in Recommendations 1 and 2 of this report. This will allow staff the flexibility to maintain speed control measures which are effective and practical, while maintaining the integrity of the programme.

 Contact Name and Telephone Number:

 E. Capizzano - 392-7878

 Director

 EC/ec

Attachments

 (p:\1998\ug\cws\ipt\to980068.ipt) - jt