STAFF REPORT

November 9, 1999

To: Etobicoke Community Council

From: John W. Thomas, P.Eng. MBA, Director

Works and Emergency Services

Subject: Assessment of the extended 40 km/h zone on Norseman Street

(Lakeshore-Queensway)

Purpose:

To assess the extended 40 km/h zone on Norseman Street between Placid Road and Royal York Road.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The funds associated with the installation of regulatory signs are contained in the Transportation Service Division's Operating Budget.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that the Toronto Police Service be requested to continue to enforce the 40 km/h speed limit on Norseman Street in the area of Fernalroy Boulevard.

Background:

City Council, at its meeting held on April 13, 14, and 15, 1999, adopted Clause No.1 contained in Report No.5 of The Etobicoke Community Council, titled "Traffic Concerns: Norseman Street between Islington Avenue and Royal York Road (Lakeshore-Queensway)". Included in this clause was a request of the Community Council to report back to its meeting of October or November, 1999 with respect to the effect of the extended 40 km/h speed limit zone on Norseman Street. A map of the area is Attachment No. 1.

Comments:

In response to Etobicoke Community Council's request, staff of the District Transportation Services conducted radar speed studies on Norseman Street, west of Fernalroy Boulevard, on Tuesday, October 12, 1999. The results of the study are summarized in the following table:

It is evident from the above data that vehicular speeds in the extended 40 km/h zone are in excess of the posted speed limit, and that the speeds, in actual fact, have not decreased since the introduction of the 40 km/h regulation. Although the Toronto Police Service has indicated that some enforcement has taken place, this information is not yet available from the Police Service. In conversation with staff of the Toronto Police Service, 22 Division, unmanned ("ghost") police vehicles have been placed on occasion on this section of Norseman Street. The local Police Division has received positive feedback from the community with respect to the effect that these vehicles and periodic enforcement have in discouraging excessive speeding on the residential section of Norseman Street between Islington Avenue and Royal York Road.

Conclusions:

The extended 40 km/h zone on Norseman Street; and, the efforts of the Toronto Police Service in deterring excessive speeding on this section of roadway have received positive response from the local community. The Toronto Police Service will be asked to continue its enforcement efforts.

Contact:

Mark Hargot, Supervisor, Traffic Engineering - District 2

Tel.: (416)394-8453; Fax: 394-8942

(A copy of Attachment No. 1, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda for the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of November 9, 1999, and a copy of each is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)