Bar set higher for HOV lanes during Toronto Pan Am Games

The bar will be set higher for using high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, but the penalties will stay the same.

Drivers will need to be accompanied by at least two passengers to use all HOV lanes across the region, including the 235 kilometres of temporary lanes proposed for the games.

The restrictions will be in effect from 5 a.m. to midnight from June 29 to Aug. 18.

The Pan Am Games will be held from July 10-26, and the Parapan Am Games run Aug. 7-15.

Games officials, athletes, and media will have Vehicle Access Parking Permit (VAPP), allowing them use of the lanes regardless of passenger count.

Anyone found using the lanes improperly could face a $110-fine and three demerit points.

Organizers told the Toronto Sun dedicated lanes and passes for people affiliated with the games have been common-place for large-scale sporting events since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Mayor John Tory wants the restrictions to be relaxed.

After meeting with road closures committee last week, Tory said he wants the province to shorten the two-week lane closures scheduled before the Games begin, and also to “relax the definition of an HOV lane.”

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