Don't Block the Box - by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, seconded by Councillor Frances Nunziata

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The decision

2023-03-29 · Toronto City Council · amended

As filed

City Council on March 29, 30 and 31, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to request the Province of Ontario to review the existing fine structure and consider increasing the current fine of $85.00 for an improper stop in an intersection to $450.00 and increase the fine for an improper stop in an intersection in a community safety zone from $120.00 to $500.00. 2. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee as soon as possible on best practices for "don't block the box" solutions beyond an increased fine.

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3. City Council forward this item to the Toronto Police Services Board to request joining the City's advocacy to the Province of Ontario for the increase in fines for an improper stop in an intersection. 4. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee as soon as possible on potentially increasing the set fine applicable to Section 950-901B(1) of City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950, Traffic and Parking.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

As the City gets ready for Ontario Line construction and associated traffic disruptions, we must find every opportunity to help mitigate congestion and ensure all road users are safe during this time. Regardless of whether you are walking, cycling, riding transit, or driving, we have all had the experience of major intersections being blocked by inconsiderate drivers who have proceeded into the intersection despite there not being enough room to clear the intersection.

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That vehicle ends up blocking traffic lanes, bike lanes, and/or pedestrian crossings. I believe it is crucial as we work to fight congestion in the months and years ahead that we send a strong message as a City government to drivers: Don't Block the Box. Disruptive drivers that "block the box" when a vehicle enters an intersection and cannot travel all the way through, results in a domino effect preventing cross-traffic movement and endangering other travellers by blocking crosswalks and bike lanes. In other words, blocking the box is unsafe and illegal and causes increased traffic congestion. The motion below asks staff to report back on the best practices for intersection "don't block the box" solutions and requests the province to review the existing fine structure to dramatically increase the fines for an improper stop at an intersection.

Staff recommended

Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, seconded by Councillor Frances Nunziata, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Manager to request the Province of Ontario to review the existing fine structure and consider increasing the current fine of $85.00 for an improper stop at an intersection to $450.00 and increase the fine for an improper stop at an intersection in a community safety zone from $120.00 to $500.00. 2.

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City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee as soon as possible on best practices for "don't block the box" solutions beyond an increased fine. 3. City Council forward this item to the Toronto Police Board to request joining the City's advocacy to the Province of Ontario for the increase in fines for an improper stop at an intersection.

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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