A Popular Toronto Street Is Banning Vehicles After Years Of Collisions

The City of Toronto announced this Friday that it would be permanently shutting down the westbound lane of Fleet St. between Bathurst and Iannuzzi to all vehicular traffic on Monday, November 25, 2019. The move to shut down a portion of Fleet St. is in conjunction with the city’s Vision Zero plan and an effort to normalize the intersection at Fleet, Bathurst and Lakeshore Blvd. W.

According to the city, the five-way intersection has long been a hot spot for collisions. “It is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, confusing for drivers and delays two streetcar lines,” a statement from Toronto’s Senior Communications Coordinator, Hakeem Muhammad reads.

The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at reducing serious injuries and traffic-related fatalities on Toronto’s streets.

The initiative has launched 50 safety measures across six of the city's regions. The project aims to place a priority on the safety of the city’s most vulnerable road users.

"This is a significant, immediate action that will enhance safety for all road users in the adjacent neighbourhoods of Bathurst Quay, Fort York and CityPlace," said Mayor John Tory.

He continued to say, "This step aligns with our Vision Zero agenda, simplifies an intersection that has always been confusing for everyone and sets in motion a long-term strategy for a more vibrant public space.”

“We must plan and invest in our infrastructure to make our streets safer. No amount of injuries on our streets is acceptable. I’m glad to see this critical first step in our plan for Bathurst and Fleet being implemented to finally make this intersection safer,” added Councillor Joe Cressy, Chair of the Board of Health.

Toronto police are also campaigning for the installment of a new traffic enforcement task force. The effort comes as the number of collisions across the city continues to increase.

Police Chief Mark Saunders included a proposal for the new unit in a report, which is set to be examined by the Toronto Police Services Board on November 21, 2019.

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