These centreline speedbumps are about to be installed on Toronto roads

This before and after image provided by the City of Toronto shows a new traffic calming pilot project.

TORONTO -

Toronto is installing centreline speed bumps at select intersections as it aims to cut down on collisions that result from drivers making high-speed left turns.

The new pilot project is part of the city’s Vision Zero road safety plan.

The city says that the rubber speed bumps are being installed at eight intersections with the goal of encouraging drivers “to approach the crosswalk at a sharper angle instead of cutting across intersections diagonally,” thereby resulting in reduced speeds.

“We are continuing to make progress in expanding our Vision Zero toolbox by adding proactive and targeted solutions with the purpose of eliminating traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities. The Left-Turn Calming Pilot is one of these solutions that I’m confident will ultimately protect people walking and cycling by making them more visible to turning vehicles,” Mayor John Tory said in a press release. “I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot so we can determine if this measure should be expanded to other locations across the city."

City officials say that left turns at signalized intersections account for 18 per cent of all fatal collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists and eight per cent of all collisions that result in serious injury to pedestrians and cyclists.

The locations for the new centreline speed bumps have been chosen based on collision history and severity.

Two were installed in July and the remaining ones will be installed by the end of August.

Here is the full list:

• Eglinton Avenue East and Brimley Road (Scarborough Centre/Scarborough Southwest);
• Finch Avenue East and Sandhurst Circle, east intersection (Scarborough North);
• Sheppard Avenue East and Kennedy Road (Scarborough-Agincourt);
• Victoria Park Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East (Scarborough-Agincourt/Don Valley North);
• Victoria Park Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East (Scarborough Centre/Don Valley East);
• Lawrence Avenue East and Curlew Drive (Don Valley East);
• Don Mills Road and Steeles Ave East (Don Valley North); and
• Mount Pleasant Road and Merton Street (Don Valley West/Toronto-St. Paul's)