A pedestrian crossover (PXO) is a device in which a pedestrian presses a button, and the overhead lights immediately flash to stop traffic and allow a safe crossing. PXOs are intended for low to moderate volume, low speed roadways (60 km/h or less posted speed) and must not be used where the road volume exceeds 35,000 annual average daily traffic (AADT). PXOs should not be installed at sites where there are heavy volumes of turning traffic, or where there are more than four lanes of two-way traffic or three lanes of one-way traffic. PXOs should not be within 200 m of other signal-protected pedestrian crossings. Parking and other sight obstructions should be prohibited within at least 30 m of the crossings. Regulation 615 of the HTA covers most aspects of required PXO traffic control devices and their placement.
When potential PXO safety issues are brought to the attention of City staff, Transportation staff initiate a detailed review process, which includes a comparison of the location with the recommended design standards, or “environmental standards”, for PXOs. These “environmental standards” describe a roadway environment suitable for this type of control, and exposure factors, which would make a PXO unsuitable or potentially unsafe.
If the results of the “environmental standards” review reveals that a PXO is no longer an appropriate form of pedestrian crossing protection, then traffic control signals are usually installed in place of the PXO.
When a potential PXO safety issue is brought to the attention of Transportation staff, a detailed review process is initiated, which compares the subject location against “environmental standards”, which would make a PXO unsuitable or potentially unsafe. In addition to this review, staff observe pedestrian crossings during peak periods and record data such as unsafe pedestrian crossings, utilization of pedestrian push buttons and potential vehicle conflicts. The Toronto Police Service collision records are also reviewed to identify any collision trends, which may be indicative of a safety problem.
Contact 311 to submit a service request if you have concerns about the safety or operation of a pedestrian crossover.
You can report:
When a concern is reported, City staff conduct a detailed review to assess whether the crossover is operating safely and appropriately.
Reviews may include:
Depending on the concern, staff may carry out:
Requests for new pedestrian crossovers are reviewed by City staff based on pedestrian demand, traffic conditions and roadway suitability. Reviews use Provincial design standards (environmental standards) to determine if a crossover is appropriate.
You may also submit a petition through your local Councillor. If a crossover is recommended, installation requires Council approval.
Pedestrian Crossovers:
Pedestrian Crossovers