Loading zones provide designated curbside space for the safe pick-up, drop-off and loading of passengers or goods. They help improve the safety of people walking, people cycling, drivers and passengers by reducing conflicts at the curb, supporting access to businesses and community facilities, and helping traffic move safely and efficiently.
The City of Toronto reviews requests for new loading zones, modifications to existing loading zones and the removal of loading zones. Depending on the type of loading zone requested, investigations, eligibility requirements and City Council approval may be required.
Accessible loading zones provide designated curbside access for people with disabilities using Wheel-Trans or private accessible vehicles. These loading zones improve accessibility by providing a safe location for passengers to enter and exit vehicles close to their destination.
To be considered for an accessible loading zone at a residential property:
For residential properties, an eligible resident must hold a permanent accessible parking permit.
Requests for accessible loading zones at high-density locations, such as condominiums, institutions, community centres, hospitals and places of worship, require a detailed site investigation and may require City Council approval.
Commercial loading zones provide designated curbside space for commercial vehicles to safely load and unload goods and equipment. They help reduce double parking and improve safety by minimizing conflicts between delivery vehicles and other road users.
To be considered:
Commercial loading zones may be considered for commercial properties, condominiums, multi-use developments, institutions, community centres and places of worship.
If approved, City Council approval and applicable fees may be required.
School bus loading zones provide designated curbside space for school buses to safely pick up and drop off students near school property. These loading zones help improve safety by reducing conflicts between school buses, passenger vehicles and people walking near schools.
To be considered, the loading zone must:
City Council approval is required before a school bus loading zone can be installed or removed.
Student pick-up and drop-off areas provide designated curbside space for parents, guardians and caregivers to safely pick up and drop off students. These areas help improve safety and traffic operations during busy school arrival and dismissal times.
Requests to install, modify or remove a student pick-up and drop-off area are reviewed by Transportation Services and require City Council approval.
Passenger pick-up and drop-off areas provide designated curbside space for the safe loading and unloading of passengers. In Toronto, these areas are typically regulated using No Standing signs, which allow vehicles to stop only while passengers are entering or leaving the vehicle.
These areas help improve the safety of people entering or exiting vehicles while reducing traffic congestion and conflicts with people walking, people cycling and other road users.
Vehicles may not wait or be left unattended in these areas.
Submit a service request to investigate the installation, modification or removal of:
The City will review each request to determine whether it meets City requirements, road safety objectives and operational needs. Depending on the type of loading zone, City Council approval and applicable fees may be required before changes can be implemented.