Is there anyone who doesn’t complain about driving in Toronto?
Does anyone have a solution that we can all agree on?
No.
Yesterday Toronto began an experiment on King Street. An experiment that CBC called a disaster on its first day. This morning I went to check it out for myself. It was mid-morning so there weren’t many cars. Also, weekday drivers and Sunday drivers downtown are different. On weekdays it’s the regulars who know the roads because they drive them all the time. Does that make a difference? – I’m not sure.
below: At most intersections between Bathurst and Jarvis, traffic is not allowed to proceed straight through – you must turn right. Streetcars and bicycles are the exceptions. The traffic signals now have advanced green arrows to allow cars to turn right before the pedestrians cross the road. Taxis are allowed to go through only between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. You’ll notice that the left hand land has been painted with yellow stripes, i.e. no cars here!
below: Two more changes have appeared. First, the streetcar stops have been moved to after the intersection instead of before. Second, small barricades block the right hand lane after the intersection. These two changes have the effect of blocking cars who try to sneak through on King Street. If there is a streetcar, you’re stuck behind it. I did see a car try to pass a streetcar (on the left) but it was unsuccessful.
Many cars were disobeying the new traffic signs, some out of confusion and some blatantly flaunting the rules. Cars would pull into the right turn lane but then go through the light anyhow.
below: I wasn’t the only ones watching the traffic. Global TV was at King and Jarvis while CTV were stationed at King and Church.
below: CBC interviews people at King & Yonge as a black GMC goes through the intersection.
below: The lighter traffic makes for easier illegal left turns!
below: Taking pictures of drivers doing illegal things was like shooting fish in a barrel. There were a couple of police cars around but so far there are few consequences to doing what you want. It’s early days yet, right? Apparently starting next week, the fine for illegally going straight through the intersection will be $100 and 2 demerit points.
I have one suggestion and that is to change the traffic lights so that the only green is a right turn arrow. The streetcars would have their own light – something like the ‘white line light’ that is used at King and Sumach as well as at Eglinton and Duplex. Having an ordinary green light is almost giving mixed signals to the drivers.
below: Hey! Mr. Bentley watch where you’re going!
Take care out there!
as I walk Toronto 