Motorists may see changes to the speed limit on selected streets west of Bayview Ave as early as this week. Josh Matlow (Ward 22) says he has been told by City staff that 40 km/h signs could come down that early and be replaced the same day by 30 km/h signs. As readers may recall, Toronto and East York Community Council voted for this change earlier this year. The council controls several wards (including Ward 22) in central Toronto and the former East York. The change does not apply to Leaside area which is in the jurisdiction of North York Community Council. The change is predicated largely on the science which says that there is a much higher chance of survival for those hit by cars travelling at the lower rate of speed. Mr. Matlow says the Medical Officer of Health has made a recommendation to lower speeds.
WHAT’S A COLLECTOR?
Another issue will be what streets remain at 40 km/h It is a reasonable guess that streets like Moore Ave between Welland and Bayview (and a dividing line between Ward 22 and Ward 26) will remain at 40. Roads like Merton, Millwood, Manor, Davisville, Forman and Cleveland could be the same. Arterials and collectors are said to be exempted but the layman’s knowledge may be tested in this regard. It is of interest that Jon Burnside (Ward 26) has said that he will support any motion at North York Council to similarly lower the speed limit in Leaside and other parts of the area. As early as this week however the changes between wards may challenge drivers as they move between streets in Leaside (40 km/h and Davisville Village (30 km/h) just by crossing Bayview.
