Reining in Speeding in Vaughan, ON with Radar Signs and Speed Cushions
Vaughan, Ontario tackles speeding issues by installing radar signs and portable speed cushions, resulting in decreased speeding and positive feedback from residents.
The Challenge
Vaughan, located in York Region, Ontario, is a rapidly growing city encompassing 273 square kilometers. It boasts a diverse mix of urban and suburban communities, including residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and green spaces. The city is one of the largest in the Toronto area with a population of around 350,000. It combines urban amenities with suburban charm, offering a blend of quiet residential streets and bustling commercial areas.
With its expanding population and increased traffic, Vaughan was facing significant challenges with speeding on its streets. The city’s residential areas were particularly affected. Traffic studies found excessive speeding on Vaughan’s streets. The speeding issue not only posed safety risks but also lead to numerous complaints from residents concerned about traffic safety and quality of life. Traditional traffic management methods, such as road signs and pavement markings, were proving inadequate, and the city needed a more effective way to manage speeding without disrupting essential services and community amenities.
The Solution
After researching several options and discussing what worked well in surrounding municipalities, Vaughan decided to deploy Traffic Logix radar signs and portable speed cushions. The city’s Traffic Program Coordinator selected these tools for their proven track record in reducing speeding. Radar signs offer real-time speed monitoring and remote data access, while portable speed cushions help in physically calming traffic. The solutions are rotated periodically based on excessive speed data, public complaints, and Vaughan’s traffic calming policy.
While many cities choose one specific model radar sign to use, Vaughan chose a variety of features and models to address various safety concerns in different locations. The radar signs deployed on Vaughan streets include both compact signs with 12” digits and full size signs with 15” digits.
In addition to the interactive driver feedback signs, Vaughn also installed rubber speed cushions in locations where they deemed that physical intervention was required to prevent speeding. The cushions are installed as a series of speed humps across the width of the road, with spaces between the cushions to allow emergency vehicles to pass unhindered. The rubber cushions are made of 100% recycled rubber and are preformed for easy and accurate installation.
They are simply bolted down to the road and can be removed for reuse at multiple locations as well as for snow plows or road resurfacing.
The Benefits
The implementation of the Traffic Logix solutions has led to noticeable improvements in traffic behavior. Drivers on Vaughan’s streets have been more conscious of their driving since the radar signs and portable speed cushions have been installed. Traffic studies on streets where the solutions were used saw significant speed reduction, with one problem street experiencing a 20 km/hr reduction in average speed, while another speeding-prone street saw an 11 km/hr reduction.
The city is pleased with the improvement in safety on local streets. Residents have also responded positively, and the city has experienced fewer complaints related to speeding. The remote data collection and cloud-based management have facilitated effective monitoring and scheduling of traffic calming measures.
Vaughan’s experience with Traffic Logix has been positive, with city staff acknowledging their appreciation for the responsive support and durable products. Arvind Bhatia, C.E.T., the Traffic Program Coordinator, also noted how well the radar signs have held up and how the speed cushions have required no maintenance even after a year of use.
He commented on how working with Traffic Logix has been “a really positive experience….the staff is always responsive and attentive.”
