There will be a new traffic light system installed at the intersection of Yonge St. and Roehampton Ave. pending a vote by City Council. The light has been approved by the public works department on a recommendation of Josh Matlow (Ward 22) and although the information does state it, there will no doubt be a need for some form of control for the off-set corner of Orchard View Blvd. It is a busy area and the temptation to risk running across the street in traffic is real. There have been a number of jaywalking accidents there. Other parts of Yonge have similar issues. The stretch of Yonge between Merton St and Davisville Ave is known here as Jay Walk Alley because subway-exiting and destined commuters tend to short cut across Yonge south of the lights at Davisville. The crossing signals at Merton are helpful but it is still chancy for both motorists and jay-walking pedestrians during rush hour. This situation is aggravated because unlike other stations there is no subway entrance on the east side of Yonge for Davisville.
The new light is not the answer!!! Best solution would be to put a crosswalk with a crosswalk signal. The new light is very confusing for drivers. If you make a right hand turn to go north bound you are instantly faced with a red light on Yonge…. Many drivers are confused and think they are running a red light and are stopping suddenly in the middle of the intersection which is creating many accidents. I live down the street and was faced with that nightmare situation where I was involved in an accident and the driver in front suddenly stops. Then my insurance goes up. Some annimg needs to be done before just installing a light.