Toronto Police Launch Extended Traffic Enforcement to Combat Congestion

Toronto Police are ramping up traffic enforcement in downtown Toronto for a period of three months, aiming to alleviate congestion during peak hours. Unlike their usual two-week enforcement blitzes, this extended initiative seeks to address ongoing traffic challenges that have been widely reported in the media.

Sgt. Brett Moore from Toronto Police Traffic Services explained that the extended enforcement is designed to set a clear tone about the city’s congestion problem. “You don’t have to be an experienced traffic cop to know that there’s a congestion challenge in the city of Toronto — it’s in the news every day,” he stated. Police will collaborate with parking enforcement and motor-squad officers, effectively doubling their presence in the downtown core.

The enforcement initiative will focus on violations that contribute to traffic congestion, including no stopping, no parking, and blocking intersections. Additionally, officers will target issues like prohibited turns, speeding, distracted driving, and traffic signal violations. Moore noted the impact of a single driver’s actions, saying, “One driver can take out an entire lane of traffic because they’ve gotten stranded in the middle of an intersection. And then a whole light cycle goes through where people can’t move.”

Routes of Enforcement will span from Bloor St. to Front St. and from Bathurst St. to Jarvis St., with enforcement occurring daily from 15:00 to 19:00. Drivers who violate traffic laws will face substantial fines; for instance, stopping along rush-hour routes can result in a $300 ticket and potential towing, while blocking intersections incurs a fine exceeding $500. Distracted driving, a significant concern in the region, carries a hefty penalty of $615.

Moore emphasized the frustrations caused by what he described as “selfish” driving behaviors. He pointed out that many drivers stop in a manner that obstructs traffic flow, exacerbating congestion during peak times. “The biggest sources of frustrations are the selfishness we see,” he remarked, referring to drivers who stop in the middle of rush-hour routes.

At the conclusion of this three-month enforcement period, police will review the campaign’s effectiveness and consider the possibility of extending the initiative based on its impact. The goal remains clear: to improve traffic conditions for all users of the road.