Reduction of Speed Limit - Alexander Street,
between Yonge Street and Church Street (Downtown)
The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report
(October14, 1998) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 1.
The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having requested
the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to report to the Toronto Community
Council on all local streets within the Community Council's boundaries which have a speed
limit of 50 km per hour, with a view to examining where the speed limit should be reduced to
40 km per hour.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (October 14, 1998) from
the Director, Transportation Services District 1, Works and Emergency Services:
Purpose:
This proposal is intended to enhance operational safety for pedestrians and vehicular traffic on
this street.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
(1)That the speed limit be reduced from fifty kilometres per hour to forty kilometres per hour
on Alexander Street, between Yonge Street and Church Street; and
(2)That the appropriate City Officials be requested to take whatever action is necessary to
give effect to the foregoing, including the introduction in Council of any Bills that are
required.
Comments:
At the request of Councillor Kyle Rae, I have investigated reducing the speed limit on
Alexander Street, between Yonge Street and Church Street to enhance operational safety for
pedestrians and vehicular traffic on this street.
Twenty-four hour traffic speed and volume surveys were conducted for a three day period
(September 25-27, 1998 inclusive) on Alexander Street, between Yonge Street and Church
Street. On average, this section of Alexander Street carried 2,324 vehicles daily of which
85.2% travelled at or below the maximum speed limit, 12.1% travelled between 51 km/h and
60 km/h and 2.7% travelled at an excessive rate of speed greater than 10 km/h over the speed
limit.
Although there does not appear to be a significant speeding problem on Alexander Street,
between Yonge Street and Church Street, considering the residential nature of this street and
in keeping with the policy adopted by the previous City of Toronto Council to implement a
reduced maximum speed limit on local/residential streets, the maximum speed limit should be
lowered to 40 km/h.
This might reduce incidents of "top end" speeding on the street and is an appropriate means of
addressing residents concerns respecting safety.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
Curt Russell, 392-7771