streetcar cameras

The NDP wants streetcar cameras to be used to catch drivers who break road rules

Toronto drivers are known to disrespect road rules — including the one that requires drivers to stop when approaching a streetcar with open doors — fairly often. 

The constant danger this presents for pedestrians has angered many, and it even led to a woman being hit by a dump truck while exiting a streetcar just last week. 

Many have been particularly frustrated by Toronto's inability to catch and punish drivers who break the rules, but NDP MPP and opposition transit critic Jessica Bell wants to change this. 

Bell is holding a press conference at Bathurst Station tomorrow in order to publicly call on the province to improve safety measures for transit riders who are exiting and boarding streetcars. This includes using cameras on TTC vehicles to help catch drivers who break safety rules. 

But in order for this to happen, legislative amendments to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act are required.

Bell will also be releasing a public letter to Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney, and it's been endorsed by Councillor Mike Layton and road safety organizations.

Later in the day tomorrow, TTC Chair Jaye Robinson will be introducing a motion on the issue at the TTC Board Meeting

Robinson will recommend that "the Toronto Transit Commission request the Minister of Transportation to enact amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, 1990 to permit the operation of streetcar enforcement cameras to monitor and enforce traffic violations," according to the motion.

From 2014 to 2016, 26 individuals were struck by either a car or bicycle when boarding or exiting a streetcar, according to the same motion.

Lead photo by

wyliepoon


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2024 in Toronto

The breathtaking Mast Trail in Toronto follows a 200-year-old logging route

Moore Park Ravine is an escape from the city in midtown Toronto

The history of what was once Toronto's grandest mansion

This is how Toronto celebrated Victoria Day over 100 years ago

You can take in breathtaking valley views along the Vista Rouge Trail in Toronto

Downsview Park in Toronto is a massive urban park around an artificial lake

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years