Many departments and divisions are involved in Traffic Management in Kawartha Lakes. On this page you'll find answers to some of our most frequently asked Traffic Management questions.
We'll also identify the proper process that needs to be followed in order for the public to request a new all-way stop, a speed limit reduction and/or the installation of traffic calming measures.
Hint: the process begins with the submission of a petition; learn more about submitting a petition on our Petitions and Correspondence to City Council page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drivers are speeding too fast in front of my house and an all-way stop will fix this. How can I get an all-way stop in my neighbourhood?
The purpose of a stop sign is to control the right of way at an intersection. All-way stop controls are installed at intersections which meet the Provincial criteria due to volumes, turning movements, and collision history. Placing stop signs that do not meet the recommended criteria can lead to lower compliance, higher speeds between stop signs, unsafe acceleration, and other issues with driver behavior that can create a false sense of safety for pedestrians.
I don’t feel safe with the speeding in my neighbourhood. Can the speed limit be lowered?
The City of Kawartha Lakes has a wide range of road types and roadside environments. It is important to establish realistic speed limits. Lowering the posted speed limit does not necessarily decrease the speed of vehicles, reduce collisions or improve safety. An unrealistically low speed limit could in fact increase collision frequency as it tends to create conflict between drivers who are driving the speed limit and drivers who are driving by feel based on the surrounding environment.
To ensure a fair distribution of resources towards traffic issues throughout Kawartha Lakes, speed reduction requests begin with the submission of a petition. Information on the petition process can be found on our Petitions and Correspondence to City Council page.
Upon receiving a petition, staff is scheduled to perform the warrant as set out by the Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) “Guidelines for Establishing Posted Speed Limits”. The warrant consists of performing speed analysis studies and investigating the road risks to determine appropriate speed limits according to road engineering characteristics, geometry, roadside environment, road classification, land use, access/intersection density, and vulnerable road users.
If a lowered speed limit is recommended, staff will report to Council for the passing of the necessary By-laws.
How can I get speed bumps on my road?
The general speeds experienced on the road is a factor of enforcement, engineering, and education. Engineered traffic calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users. Speed bumps are considered one of many options that can be used for traffic calming. Other options include line markings, symbol painting, bollards, chicanes and many more, all with varying suitability based on the road type, desired results and costs.
Like speed reduction requests, traffic calming can be requested through the submission of a petition. Information on the petition process can be found on our Petitions and Correspondence to City Council page.
After a petition is received, staff proceeds with a warrant to determine if the road is a suitable candidate for an engineered form of traffic calming. Screening criteria include the analysis of volumes, speeds, road classification, and the use of the roadside land. If the road does not meet the screening criteria, alternative measures can be considered such as temporary electronic speed signs, education campaigns, additional warning signage, and enforcement initiatives.
Roads which meet the screening criteria will move to the next step where options for traffic calming implementation are presented to Council for consideration.
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