Traffic Calming - Norelco Drive -

North York Humber

The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (October 23, 1998) from the Director, Transportation Services, District 3:

Purpose:

To provide information regarding the effectiveness of the traffic calming measures on Norelco Drive.

Source of funds:

All costs associated with the installation of the traffic calming measures are included within the 1998 operating budget.

Recommendation:

That the existing traffic calming measures, as approved on September 17, 1997, by Council for the former City of North York, be maintained permanently.

Reference/Background/History:

In August of 1997, staff of the Transportation Department of the former City of North York, was requested by the Toronto Police Services, 31 Division, to assist them in determining alternative measures to halt the on street drag racing which was occurring on Norelco Drive.

For many years, individuals operating businesses on Norelco Drive had been dealing with late night drag racing along the frontage of their properties. The road's isolation has attracted upwards of 200 spectators, and the business owners expressed concerns for the safety of their employees.

Police staff advised that due to limited available resources and the high level of organization by the individuals involved in the racing activities, who were using police scanners and spotters, made it difficult for the Police to resolve situation by surveillance methods alone. In association with other police agencies, the Toronto Police Services developed a more aggressive program to deal with both the participants and the spectators associated with the racing activities. This, however, required a large deployment of staff dedicated to address these racing activities.

To ensure a more permanent impact, staff, with the approval of Council, installed five chicanes along Norelco Drive, to break up the road into sections of approximately 200 metres. The chicanes consisted of curb stones and planters along the side of the roadway reducing the pavement width to 7.25 metres.

Discussion:

Staff of the Toronto Police Service, 31 Division, have indicated that the chicanes have eliminated the drag racing activities on Norelco Drive. Area business owners generally support the measures as they have eliminated the drag racing and do not impede their business activities.

In view of the effect that the chicanes and the police enforcement have had on the drag racing activities, these measures should remain on Norelco Drive.

Contact Name:

Mr. Allen Pinkerton, Supervisor of Traffic Investigations

395-7463 (telephone)

395-7482 (fascimile)

ajpinker@city.north-york.on.ca (E.-mail)