Traffic Management Plan - Dane Avenue -

North York Spadina

 The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 15, 1998) from the Commissioner of Transportation, North York Civic Centre:

 Purpose:

 This report addresses the results of the test of traffic calming measures on Dane Avenue, approved by North York Council on May 14, 1997.

 Source of funds:

 All costs associated with this report are included within the department's 1998 operating budget.

 Recommendations:

 1.that the traffic management plan previously approved by North York Council, for a test period, be removed;

 2.that staff of the Works and Emergency Services Department implement three speed humps, in accordance with Council Policy, for a test period;

 3.that staff of the Works and Emergency Services Department continue to work with the residents of Dane Avenue during implementation of the test; and

 4.that staff of the Works and Emergency Services Department report back to Council, within six months after implementation, on their effectiveness in controlling vehicle speeds.

 Council Reference/Background/History:

 North York Council, at its meeting of May 14, 1997 by Resolution No. 97-11 approved a six month test of the traffic management plan proposed by the appointed traffic work group and supported by staff. In accordance with the Traffic Calming Policy, staff were directed to report back to Council regarding the effectiveness of the test in improving traffic safety. Residents have subsequently requested that the test be removed and speed humps implemented.

 Comments and/or Discussions and or Justification:

 On July 15,1997 the Transportation Department completed the installation of a program to test the traffic calming measures recommended by the Traffic Work Group and supported by the residents, as presented to them at a public meeting, and subsequently approved by North York Council.

 These measures consisted of four sets of "chicanes" and a median "gateway", just east of Dufferin Street. Several other types of traffic control measures were suggested by the community and reviewed by the Work Group, such as stop signs, turn restrictions, reduced speed limits, continuous police enforcement and a pedestrian crossover. For a variety of reasons, as reviewed by the residents during the process, these were rejected as viable options for the management of traffic. "Speed humps" were not considered as an option at that time as they were not allowed for use within the Traffic Calming Policy.

 Throughout the test period the department monitored traffic, responded to residents= concerns and made modifications to the measures as was deemed appropriate. Numerous complaints were received regarding the aesthetics of the planters used to simulate the ultimate traffic calming measures. No functional or safety concerns were determined to exist by the department and snow clearing road maintenance, garbage collection and emergency services were carried out throughout the test with no effect on service or safety.

 Traffic speeds and volumes were recorded throughout the test and indicate that volumes have remained consistent while vehicle speeds were reduced by as much as 10%, as a result of the traffic calming measures.

 Throughout the implementation of the traffic management plan, the policy for the evaluation and monitoring of traffic calming was followed. The plan was presented and approved by the affected residents prior to implementation of the test. Upon completion of the test a direct mail questionnaire was sent to the residents of Dane Avenue where they were requested to vote on the permanent installation of the plan. The results of the questionnaire determined that 18.5% of the affected residents indicated their consensus for the permanent installation of the plan, 18.5% requested modifications , while 37.0% requested the test be removed with no further action.

 Former Councillor Frank Di Giorgio, at that time, requested that the temporary gateway remain. At a recent meeting of the residents held by Councillor Moscoe, the residents have requested that this gateway be removed permanently and that three speed humps be implemented as a six month test.

 Conclusions:

 North York Community Council at its meeting of May 14, approved a report which recommended that when speed humps are selected as a traffic calming measure they be installed in accordance to the stipulations of the Traffic Calming Policy. This approach has been followed with respect to this request and speed humps are deemed an appropriate measure to address vehicle speeds and traffic safety for Dane Avenue

 The cost to implement this traffic management plan as a permanent feature is $10,000.00, which will cover the cost of the test.

 Contact Name:

 Michael J. Frederick, Director of Operations, 395-7484