Traffic Signal Operations Policies and Strategies

Traffic Signal Operations Policies and Strategies was developed to promote consistent, safe, and efficient control of traffic signals for all road users – pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists. The document is subject to a comprehensive review every five years. However, since traffic signal technology changes at a rapid pace, the City reserves the right to change its Traffic Signal Operations Policies and Strategies at any time without any prior notice.

The document outlines each policy and strategy in detail in four sections.

1. Purpose and Guiding Principles: Outlines the purpose and principles that guide the City’s Traffic Signal Operations Policies and Strategies.
2. Administration: Stipulates the City’s administrative-related policies and strategies that can influence consistent, safe, and efficient control of traffic signals.
3. Traffic Control Systems: Stipulates the City’s policies and strategies relating to its traffic control systems.
4. Traffic Signal Operations: Stipulates the City’s policies and strategies on various signal operations features that promote consistent, safe, and efficient control of traffic signals.

These policies and strategies were developed based on research on standards, legislation, best practices, as well as stakeholder engagement. The standards include the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 12 (2012), Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for Canada, and Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Guidelines. The best practices are drawn from other North American cities comparable to Toronto and in-house studies conducted by the City. The stakeholders are the units within the City’s Transportation Services Division who are involved with the day-to-day traffic signal planning and operations.