Mayor Tory to put ‘full weight’ of his office behind plan to tackle gridlock

TORONTO – Traffic might bump weather as the number one topic of acceptable conversation in mixed company. You would have a difficult time getting almost anywhere in the City of Toronto without feeling the effects of traffic congestion. Mayor John Tory wants to change that conversation.

Tory has presented his six-point plan to beat traffic promising residents will see results in thirty days and has committed no less than “the full weight of the Mayor’s office” to ensure his plan is accomplished.

But how does this plan move from talk to action? What are the measureables that will determine progress and success?

Tory says he’s “assured” that police will cooperate to crack down on lane blockers. It will mean reassigning parking enforcement officers to the core during rush hour and will also mean more police officers issuing tags and ordering towing.

WATCH: Toronto Mayor John Tory is trying to deliver on his campaign promise to ease congestion on the city’s roads by introducing a six point plan to get the job done.

READ MORE: Narrow traffic lanes coming to Toronto

That’s not to say lane blockers are not being tagged and towed now. Toronto Police say as many as fifty tow trucks are kept busy on an average weekday afternoon clearing lanes on major routes.

But the “new sheriff” in town insists we will see increased enforcement and he will take no prisoners. Whether it’s a courier, a paper shredder truck, or a quick stop at the coffee shop, you are being warned now. Tory says all vehicles will be towed.

Even if it’s a city owned vehicle?

“I’m damn mad about that kind of thing. If it’s an ambulance, that’s a different thing. But if it’s just for routine paperwork then I’d be damned mad about it,” said Tory.

The mayor will be relying on Public Works Chair Jaye Robinson to ride this file.

“It’s a point of frustration with residents of every ward,” said Robinson.

Ironically, Robinson’s arrival at the media briefing was delayed by gridlock.

“My ward is literally just north of here so it should have taken me fifteen minutes and it took me 35 minutes – so almost double what it should have taken,” she said.