Toronto considers plan to narrow street lanes to improve safety: report

Citing safety, the City of Toronto is reportedly reducing the width of traffic lanes to reduce vehicle speeds and better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

The Globe and Mail reports the transportation department has just finished putting together a new policy that would see the lane sizes range from three to 4.3 metres, depending on several factors including location.

Transportation Services general manager Stephen Buckley told the newspaper the current widths encourage some drivers to go faster than necessary, and the goal is to continue to try to maintain traffic flow at safe speeds.

The thinking is that this would instill a sense of caution in all drivers because all the other vehicles on the road would be a little bit closer.

He said adjusting the timing of the traffic lights will reduce any inconvenience to drivers.

The newspaper also reports in some cases sidewalks might be widened while in others more space may be given to cyclists.

Some drivers say drivers need to follow the rules first.

“I think it will be harder. They have to follow the rules first before we make it harder for them,” one man said.

Do you think narrow lanes of traffic on Toronto’s streets would increase road safety? Share your comments in the space below.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today