Toronto Mayor John Tory will soon make good on one of his proposed solutions to gridlock.
An enforcement blitz will begin on Monday, signalling a new zero-tolerance approach for anyone blocking major roads during rush hour.
Instead of just being ticketed, vehicles will be towed away at the owner’s expense – no exceptions.
That could cost regular drivers up to $500 and commercial vehicle operators up to $1,000, Toronto police say.
There will be eight police officers and eight parking enforcement officers focused on the blitz on Monday, says Const. Clint Stibbe.
Although the mayor has often spoken about his anger at illegally-parked commercial vehicles, it’s not only trucks that will be targeted.
“It’s people that are stopping to let people off, to let's say drop someone off at work,” says Stibbe, “or perhaps maybe jumping out to get a coffee.”
Even pedestrians will face a $50 fine if they are seen blocking roadways, he says.
An election promise
While campaigning last year, Tory said he wanted to remind drivers that they must obey the law.
Parking enforcement officers could be reassigned from some residential areas to deal with the lanes most commonly blocked by commercial vehicles, he said.
"If I have to chip in and drive a tow truck myself,” he said. “Those vehicles are going to be towed away.”
“I would even tow away a Brinks truck,” he added, referring to vehicles that carry armed guards and money.
Truck association disagrees
Many who drive for a living disagree with the plan.
Last week, the Ontario Trucking Alliance, which represents Ontario truck drivers, asked the mayor to reconsider.
Tory said he would consider adding special parking spots for commercial vehicles on side streets, but will not scale back his plan.
Tory’s six-part gridlock plan
In addition to towing vehicles parked illegally, Tory's six-part plan for reducing gridlock includes:
• A road closures committee to co-ordinate events, major closures and TTC closures to make sure there is always a route free for drivers.
• A traffic enforcement team, which will install more traffic cameras and work with the media to monitor slowdowns.
• More signal lights, re-timed to help ease congestion during peak hours.
• Higher fees for lane closures relating to private development projects.
• Incentives for public sector projects to be completed faster, along with extended work hours.
