Intersection of Lamb Avenue and Felstead Avenue -

Installation of "All Way Stop" sign control (East Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (June 3, 1998) from the Director, Infrastructure Planning and Transportation, City Works Services:

Purpose:

To enhance operational safety at this intersection.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable

Recommendations:

(1)That "Stop" signs be installed for eastbound and westbound traffic on Felstead Avenue at Lamb Avenue; 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 Tom Jakobek on behalf of area residents, Works staff have investigated implementing all-way "Stop" sign control at the intersection of Lamb Avenue and Felstead Avenue to enhance operational safety.

Lamb Avenue and Felstead Avenue form a T-type intersection. Felstead Avenue ends about 100 metres west of Lamb Avenue. A "Stop" sign is posted for southbound vehicles on Lamb Avenue at Felstead Avenue to define right-of-way at the intersection and sight lines across the northwest and northeast corners of this intersection are satisfactory for all directions of motorists approaching the intersection.

A search of the Toronto Police Service's collision data records for the period extending from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1996 (no information is available for 1997-98) has revealed that no accidents have been reported at the intersection which involved intersecting directions of traffic and which might have potentially been prevented by the presence of "Stop" signs on Felstead Avenue. However, one incident was reported in December of 1996 which involved a vehicle turning right from westbound Felstead Avenue losing control and colliding with several parked vehicles on the west side of Lamb Avenue north of the intersection. Although the action of the driver of the vehicle involved appears to have been a major contributing factor in this collision, had the vehicle been required to stop before making the turn, the probability of this incident occurring would have been less.

Having evaluated the Felstead/Lamb intersection against the technical criteria governing the installation of all-way "Stop" sign control which encompasses such factors as right-of-way conflicts, vehicular and pedestrian use of the intersection, physical and geometric configuration, surrounding area traffic controls and safety experience, I have concluded that the intersection of Lamb Avenue and Felstead Avenue generally operates safely at the present time. However, given the proximity of nearby schools and recreation fields which generate a moderately high pedestrian volume and the presence for all-way "Stop" sign control at most other intersections in this neighbourhood, there is sufficient justification for implementing all-way "Stop" sign control at this intersection.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

David G. Dignard, Traffic Investigator, 392-7771