Toronto police are launching a two-week road safety campaign beginning on Monday as part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate serious collisions and pedestrian fatalities.
Police said they will focus their traffic enforcement efforts on offences identified as contributors to killed and seriously injured (KSI) collisions.
These offences include speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving behaviour.
The “Slow Down Toronto” campaign will start on March 19 and end on April 1.
New this year for the city’s Vision Zero strategy includes a pilot project to add traffic calming signs in the middle of the roadway in 12 school locations.
“The safety of all pedestrians, but in particular children, must be a priority in this city and we’re trying to give it more attention with as many practical measures as we can come up with,” Mayor John Tory told reporters at a press conference Monday morning.
“We’re working to prevent deaths and injuries and protect residents across the city. We are taking realistic measures so that everyone in Toronto will be save. Whether they are walking to school, riding their bike, or driving a car.”
Also coming in 2018 are pilot projects to add automated speed enforcement technology and installing new pedestrian crossovers with flashing beacons.
The city will also add painted curb extensions to reduce crossing distances. City officials said they are also expanding the “Watch Your Speed” program to 40 schools with the addition of 80 more speed signs.