PARKING ISSUES ON LACEY AVENUE

Ward 27, York-Humber

Purpose:

To respond to requests from York Community Council for a report on a number of traffic related issues on Lacey Avenue.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the proposed parking regulation changes, estimated at $400.00, are contained in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Current Estimates.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the Uniform Traffic By-laws 196-84 and 2958-94 be amended to rescind the alternate side parking regulation on Lacey Avenue and implement an exclusive east side parking regulation;

(2)the Uniform Traffic Bylaws 196-84 and 2958-94 be amended to extend the existing 15 metre "No Parking Any Time" prohibition on the east side of Lacey Avenue, immediately south of Cameron Avenue, by a further 4.1 metres to the south; and

(3)a copy of this report be forwarded to Mr. R. Papa, 55 Lacey Avenue.

Background:

York Community Council, at its meeting on January 20, 1999, requested a report on the following traffic-related issues on Lacey Avenue (Clause No. 4(x) of Report No.1):

(1)the parking of commercial vehicles obstructing the flow of traffic on Lacey Avenue;

(2)the removal of the alternate side parking regulation which was implemented on a six-month trial basis on Lacey Avenue between Cameron Avenue and Wart Avenue, due to the lack of enforcement;

(3)the implementation of "No Parking" or "No Stopping" regulations on Lacey Avenue northward to the top of the street, excluding overnight permit parking;

(4)the installation of "No Heavy Trucks" signs; and

(5)the request for disabled persons permit parking at 55 Lacey Avenue, bringing forward all previous reports regarding Lacey Avenue.

Also, York Community Council, at its meeting on February 17, 1999 requested a report on installing "Local Traffic Only" signs on Lacey Avenue (Clause No. 7(u) of Report No. 2).

Comments:

(1)Parking Commercial Vehicles and (4) Installation of "No Heavy Trucks" signs

Heavy trucks are currently prohibited from moving, driving, parking or operating on Lacey Avenue, unless the vehicle is actually engaged in making a delivery to or collection on the street. This prohibition applies to vehicles that weigh 3 tonnes or more when unloaded or 5 tonnes or more when loaded. Commercially licenced vehicles that weigh less than 3,000 kg can be legally parked within residential areas, since these types of vehicles can be licenced for either passenger or commercial use.

Violations of the heavy vehicle prohibition are enforceable and should be reported directly to 12 Division of Toronto Police Service.

All the boundary streets leading into the area bounded by Eglantine Avenue West to the north, Rogers Road to the south, Keele Street to the west and Blackthorn Avenue to the east are by-lawed and signed with "No Heavy Trucks" signs. Therefore, internal signage is not required. This practice of signing boundary streets leading into a community is recommended in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for the Province of Ontario and results in significant cost savings.

The total estimated cost to erect "No Heavy Trucks" signs on every street within this area would be $15,500.00.

(2)Rescind Alternate Side Parking Regulation

At the request of York Community Council, alternate side parking was implemented on Lacey Avenue in April, 1998 for a six-month trial. Our report dated February 17, 1998 (Appendix1), is attached for the information of Council.

There are 8 curb side parking spaces available on the west side of Lacey Avenue, and 18 curb side parking spaces available on the east side. This disproportionate number of spaces leads to illegal parking. Reinstating exclusive on-street parking on the east side of Lacey Avenue would accommodate the greatest number of curb side parking spaces.

(3)Implement "No Parking" or "No Stopping" Regulation and (5) Designate a Disabled Persons Parking Space at 55 Lacey Avenue

In the past, Mr. R. Papa of 55 Lacey Avenue has expressed concern with parked vehicles obstructing his view of oncoming traffic when exiting his driveway. More recently, Mr. Papa has requested a designated disabled persons parking space adjacent to his property on the east side of Lacey Avenue.

A staff report, dated November 28, 1997 (Appendix II), which addressed the issue of parked vehicles obstructing visibility is attached for the information of Council. As indicated, there is a signed 15metre "No Parking Any Time" prohibition on the east side of Lacey Avenue, immediately south of Cameron Avenue preventing motorists from parking on the crest of the hill, northerly towards the intersection. This parking sign is located directly in front of Mr. R. Papa's neighbour at 57 Lacey Avenue. The actual measured legal curb space between this sign and Mr. R. Papa's driveway is 4.1 metres. Practically, this is insufficient space for a vehicle to be parked without obstructing the driveway. Therefore, Mr. Papa should have unobstructed sight lines to observe southbound vehicular traffic on Lacey Avenue when exiting his driveway. However, Mr. Papa has had difficulty with motorists parking in this space. Extending the "No Parking" zone southerly by 4.1 metres to the driveway would ensure that the driveway is not blocked and that adequate sight lines are maintained.

Mr. R. Papa is also requesting an on-street designated disabled persons parking space on the east side of Lacey Avenue directly in front of his municipal address. In determining the feasibility of establishing a disabled persons parking space in front of 55 Lacey Avenue, it is important to note Mr. Papa currently has a legal driveway into a garage, which has been illegally widened to allow front yard parking for his own personal use. Since Mr. Papa has on-site parking available, the provision of a designated disabled persons parking space could unfairly deprive others of an on-street parking space.

(6)Installation of "Local Traffic Only" Signs

A "Local Traffic Only" sign is non-regulatory. These signs, if requested, are erected on the boundary streets leading into a community. On an internal street such as Lacey Avenue, these signs would serve no useful purpose. The estimated cost to erect "Local Traffic Only" signs on each of the streets leading into this area would be $3,500.00.

Conclusions:

Parking of commercial vehicles is currently prohibited on Lacey Avenue and any violations are a matter of police enforcement. The installation of "No Heavy Trucks" signs is not required as the boundary streets to this community are all currently signed.

Reinstating exclusive on-street parking on the east side of Lacey Avenue would result in a greater number of parking spaces available to residents (increase of 10 available spaces).

Visibility obstructions caused by parked vehicles in the vicinity of 55 Lacey Avenue would be eliminated by extending the existing "No Parking Any Time" regulation by an additional 4.1 metres to the south from Cameron Avenue. The current parking arrangements at 55 Lacey Avenue do not justify a designated disabled persons parking space adjacent to this property.

The installation of "Local Traffic Only" signs on Lacey Avenue would not be effective.