In response to photos' taken showing the Oxton recommended speed limit signs (going west) the city has trimmed the branches that had been obscuring the signs.
I think all of us will agree the city has to put in a lot more effort then tree trimming to make Oxton Avenue safety and deal with the honking problem that is driving people "nuts" up and down Oxton and in particular the residents of 130 Oriole Parkway...
Regards, Mark
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
More on Additional Speed Limit Signs On Oxton
Hi Pierre:
Thank you for forwarding Dan's note. Your note is timely because I was
just about to check the official meaning of yellow speed signs verse
black/white speed signs.
A couple of points and questions...
1. If the Oxton speed limit is 50kms this then supports the neighbourhood view that vehicle speeds on Oxton are higher. This contention is based on human nature and supported by the Police that if it's a 50kms driver limit, drivers will go 60kms and perhaps beyond as we also contend.
2. At these speeds it seems obvious to me that without logical, pedestrian crossing points pedestrians are forced to cross Oxton without the benefit of even the most rudimentary crossing protection as they head on the "natural" path to the subway (the crosswalk being poorly located).
3. The request was to add additional speed signage so as to provide more guidance to drivers as to the speed limit. Is it correct to assume that Transportation Services really are unwilling even to agree to this one particular minimal neighbourhood request?
4. 20kms signs. I'm sorry Pierre, but the reality is that Transportation Services might as well take them down and put "GO FOR IT" up on the pole. This would make as much sense as continuing to post "Pedestrians Wait For Gap" signs as both are totally ineffectual (I know they have to put up such speed signs).
5. Are drivers really going to slow down from 50km-60km and go 20km-30kms. The resident of 130 Oriole wouldn't get any sleep with all the honking. This is a speed sign that is blatantly ignored to the detriment of pedestrians! This goes back to point 1 & 2. Pedestrians need protection from cars travelling in excesses of the speed limit.
6. I have no doubt that the 2okm and 30km speed limit signs are within specifications. I now even understand the reason for their location. Again I refer back to the above points.
7. Is a highway (11A) really a good idea through a residential neighbourhood? Traffic has increased such that we content this needs to be questioned. Few things are carved in stone, why should this decision be so? Is Dan inferring here that we need to take the issue to the province as well?
8. Is the goal to keep cars on Highway 11A safe from pedestrians? One wonders (I'll have to read the City's own Pedestrian Charter again)?
We haven't seen Transportation Services report so I don't wish to pre-judge their final conclusions, but, I look forward to raising these and other issues up with Mr. Walker, Transportation Services and yourself when I present the final petition results.
Thank you again for keeping me in the loop. Until our meeting I will in the interim continue to work on advancing the issue of pedestrian safety on Oxton at behest of my petition signitors.
Regards, mark
Thank you for forwarding Dan's note. Your note is timely because I was
just about to check the official meaning of yellow speed signs verse
black/white speed signs.
A couple of points and questions...
1. If the Oxton speed limit is 50kms this then supports the neighbourhood view that vehicle speeds on Oxton are higher. This contention is based on human nature and supported by the Police that if it's a 50kms driver limit, drivers will go 60kms and perhaps beyond as we also contend.
2. At these speeds it seems obvious to me that without logical, pedestrian crossing points pedestrians are forced to cross Oxton without the benefit of even the most rudimentary crossing protection as they head on the "natural" path to the subway (the crosswalk being poorly located).
3. The request was to add additional speed signage so as to provide more guidance to drivers as to the speed limit. Is it correct to assume that Transportation Services really are unwilling even to agree to this one particular minimal neighbourhood request?
4. 20kms signs. I'm sorry Pierre, but the reality is that Transportation Services might as well take them down and put "GO FOR IT" up on the pole. This would make as much sense as continuing to post "Pedestrians Wait For Gap" signs as both are totally ineffectual (I know they have to put up such speed signs).
5. Are drivers really going to slow down from 50km-60km and go 20km-30kms. The resident of 130 Oriole wouldn't get any sleep with all the honking. This is a speed sign that is blatantly ignored to the detriment of pedestrians! This goes back to point 1 & 2. Pedestrians need protection from cars travelling in excesses of the speed limit.
6. I have no doubt that the 2okm and 30km speed limit signs are within specifications. I now even understand the reason for their location. Again I refer back to the above points.
7. Is a highway (11A) really a good idea through a residential neighbourhood? Traffic has increased such that we content this needs to be questioned. Few things are carved in stone, why should this decision be so? Is Dan inferring here that we need to take the issue to the province as well?
8. Is the goal to keep cars on Highway 11A safe from pedestrians? One wonders (I'll have to read the City's own Pedestrian Charter again)?
We haven't seen Transportation Services report so I don't wish to pre-judge their final conclusions, but, I look forward to raising these and other issues up with Mr. Walker, Transportation Services and yourself when I present the final petition results.
Thank you again for keeping me in the loop. Until our meeting I will in the interim continue to work on advancing the issue of pedestrian safety on Oxton at behest of my petition signitors.
Regards, mark
Transportation Services Vetoes Addition Speed Signs On Oxton
Unfortunately, Transportation Services has vetoed the request originating from Councilor Walker's office via Pierre D'Aoust (and at my urging - Mark) to install additional speed limit signs on Oxton Avenue to act as guidance for drivers.
Dan Clement , Transportation Technologist replies...
"The speed limit on Oxton Avenue...is 50 km/h [as] per the Highway Traffic Act [therefore] ...does not require the installation of speed limit signage..."
Mr. Clement goes on to talk about the advisory only speed limit signs of 20 & 30km also found on Oxton Avenue.
My reply to Mr. Clement's note can be found here...
Dan Clement , Transportation Technologist replies...
"The speed limit on Oxton Avenue...is 50 km/h [as] per the Highway Traffic Act [therefore] ...does not require the installation of speed limit signage..."
Mr. Clement goes on to talk about the advisory only speed limit signs of 20 & 30km also found on Oxton Avenue.
My reply to Mr. Clement's note can be found here...
Monday, July 18, 2005
Coucilman's Assistant Requests Additional Oxton Speed Limit Signs
One small step towards Pedestrian safety!
Few problems are one demensional. The problem with Oxton-Oriole is both pedestrian safety and poor vehicle road signage, particularly speed limit signs.
Recently, I emailed Pierre D'Aoust, Councilman's Walker's Constituency Assistant, requesting additional speed limit signs for Oxton Avenue.
In my email to Mr D'Aoust I (Mark Rees) wrote...
"...a report should not needed to get addition speed limits posted on Oxton. I find it strange that between Chaplan and Oxton on Oriole Parkway there are two 40km speed limit signs posted (northbound) over this very short distance; yet only one small speed sign on Oxton three times maybe the distance between Chaplan and Oxton, and at the mid point. Small in size too! What can Mr. Walker do to advance this request over the next month"
Today, Mr. D'Aoust wrote in response to my note...
"I have requested to have additional signage installed, specifically for speed limits. I will let you know as soon as I hear from staff when these signs will be installed."
Why push for more, better, speed limited signs? Because the presence of clear, visible speed limit signs is very important in the proscution of speeding violations.
This is one of many improvements I hope the City will make on Oxton to make the avenue (or Highway 11A) safe for pedestrian "traffic."
Each step taken is one more step towards final recognition that there is a serious problem on Oxton-Oriole.
Regards, Mark
Few problems are one demensional. The problem with Oxton-Oriole is both pedestrian safety and poor vehicle road signage, particularly speed limit signs.
Recently, I emailed Pierre D'Aoust, Councilman's Walker's Constituency Assistant, requesting additional speed limit signs for Oxton Avenue.
In my email to Mr D'Aoust I (Mark Rees) wrote...
"...a report should not needed to get addition speed limits posted on Oxton. I find it strange that between Chaplan and Oxton on Oriole Parkway there are two 40km speed limit signs posted (northbound) over this very short distance; yet only one small speed sign on Oxton three times maybe the distance between Chaplan and Oxton, and at the mid point. Small in size too! What can Mr. Walker do to advance this request over the next month"
Today, Mr. D'Aoust wrote in response to my note...
"I have requested to have additional signage installed, specifically for speed limits. I will let you know as soon as I hear from staff when these signs will be installed."
Why push for more, better, speed limited signs? Because the presence of clear, visible speed limit signs is very important in the proscution of speeding violations.
This is one of many improvements I hope the City will make on Oxton to make the avenue (or Highway 11A) safe for pedestrian "traffic."
Each step taken is one more step towards final recognition that there is a serious problem on Oxton-Oriole.
Regards, Mark
Friday, July 15, 2005
Policeman Seen on Oxton Avenue
Fantastic News!
Two days ago a Police Officer was seen standing at the corner of Oxton Avenue and Oriole Parkway observing traffic.
Let's hope this is the first step in our efforts to demonstrate to the City that vehicle speeds on Oxton Aveneue are "out of control"
More later on police activities on Oxton Avenue as it becomes known.
Email me if you see a Policeman on Oxton avenue.
Regards, Mark
Two days ago a Police Officer was seen standing at the corner of Oxton Avenue and Oriole Parkway observing traffic.
Let's hope this is the first step in our efforts to demonstrate to the City that vehicle speeds on Oxton Aveneue are "out of control"
More later on police activities on Oxton Avenue as it becomes known.
Email me if you see a Policeman on Oxton avenue.
Regards, Mark
July 12th Meeting With Toronto Police Services
On July 12th I meet with the Communinity Response of team, Toronto Police Services regarding excessive speeding by drivers going both east and west on Oxton Avenue.
During the meeting I presented the Pedestrian Safety Petition, the power point presentation I used in my first meeting with Councilor Michael Walker June 17th and Oxton Avenue photography's highlighting what I believe to be are problem areas.
The Community Response office appeared very impressed with the results Pedestrian Safety Petition and the messages behind the photographs.
He was very supportive of our efforts to make Oxton Avenue save for Petestrians and offered support in three area. They were as follows:
The period of speed enforcement would be from July 12th to August 12th, 2005.
I have to say the Community response Staff Sergeant I met with was great. Hats off to the Police for his support!
Regards, mark
During the meeting I presented the Pedestrian Safety Petition, the power point presentation I used in my first meeting with Councilor Michael Walker June 17th and Oxton Avenue photography's highlighting what I believe to be are problem areas.
The Community Response office appeared very impressed with the results Pedestrian Safety Petition and the messages behind the photographs.
He was very supportive of our efforts to make Oxton Avenue save for Petestrians and offered support in three area. They were as follows:
- 6 speed enforcement days on Oxton Aveneue (up from 0)
- One month's statical information resulting from the 6 enforcement days
- A letter to Councilman Walker requesting action should the enforcement days yield disturbing statistics.
The period of speed enforcement would be from July 12th to August 12th, 2005.
I have to say the Community response Staff Sergeant I met with was great. Hats off to the Police for his support!
Regards, mark
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
June 18th Petition Presentation Meeting Cancelled
Today I received an email from Councilman Michael Walker's Consituency Assistant Pierre D'Aoust cancelling our June 18th petition presentation meeting.
Pierre D'Aoust writes...
"I cannot get city staff to come to our meeting...
...the reports they [Transportation Services] are preparing will not be done by then.
...I'd like to cancel our meeting for the June 18th, wait for the reports to be done, and then schedule a new time when everyone can make it.
I know you are anxious to present the petition, but we will not be able to act until the reports are in...
As soon as I have these reports, I will contact you for a meeting with staff.
Sincerely, Pierre A'Doust"
(Note: In an email a few days later Pierre informed me that the reports will take about a month to complete and that the presentation meeting would occur on a day there after in which Transportation Services staff could attend. I also would like Transportation staff to attend the petition presentation meeting so agreed with to request.)
Pierre D'Aoust writes...
"I cannot get city staff to come to our meeting...
...the reports they [Transportation Services] are preparing will not be done by then.
...I'd like to cancel our meeting for the June 18th, wait for the reports to be done, and then schedule a new time when everyone can make it.
I know you are anxious to present the petition, but we will not be able to act until the reports are in...
As soon as I have these reports, I will contact you for a meeting with staff.
Sincerely, Pierre A'Doust"
(Note: In an email a few days later Pierre informed me that the reports will take about a month to complete and that the presentation meeting would occur on a day there after in which Transportation Services staff could attend. I also would like Transportation staff to attend the petition presentation meeting so agreed with to request.)
Monday, July 11, 2005
Toronto Hates Pedestrians
Chris Hume of the Toronto Star doesn't like our traffic (These streets aren't made for walking - July 11/05). He writes:
....Now that running red lights is common practice in Toronto..... Crossing the street can be equally dangerous now whether the light is red or green.
....in their rush to get through the intersection, drivers are more likely to speed up when the light turns red than when it's green.
And by the time the traffic has actually come to a full stop, there's very little time left to cross.... The old and infirm don't stand a chance.
....Toronto City Council proudly proclaimed a Pedestrian Charter several years ago but... pedestrians only slow things down. They're in the way.
..... In a clear effort to drive them from the streets, the city seems to have embarked on a deceptively clever program of pedestrian obstacles.
.....The pedestrian lights are the main weapon..... the city is erecting short steel columns at selected intersections throughout Toronto. Ostensibly, they contain traffic control buttons, which, strangely, never appear to work.....
We like to think of ourselves as being somewhere in between Europe and the U.S. That may be true.... we combine the worst of both.
Note: The Toronto Star requires a free registration to view the original article.
....Now that running red lights is common practice in Toronto..... Crossing the street can be equally dangerous now whether the light is red or green.
....in their rush to get through the intersection, drivers are more likely to speed up when the light turns red than when it's green.
And by the time the traffic has actually come to a full stop, there's very little time left to cross.... The old and infirm don't stand a chance.
....Toronto City Council proudly proclaimed a Pedestrian Charter several years ago but... pedestrians only slow things down. They're in the way.
..... In a clear effort to drive them from the streets, the city seems to have embarked on a deceptively clever program of pedestrian obstacles.
.....The pedestrian lights are the main weapon..... the city is erecting short steel columns at selected intersections throughout Toronto. Ostensibly, they contain traffic control buttons, which, strangely, never appear to work.....
We like to think of ourselves as being somewhere in between Europe and the U.S. That may be true.... we combine the worst of both.
Note: The Toronto Star requires a free registration to view the original article.
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