City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service to launch No Stopping enforcement blitz to help reduce rush hour traffic congestion

Mayor Olivia Chow. (File Photo: Olivia Chow @oliviachow/Facebook)

By City of Toronto

Today, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Police Service (TPS) are launching a two-week enforcement blitz targeting drivers who stop in No Stopping Zones during rush hour on key arterial routes.  

Running from today until Friday, June 27, the initiative will increase enforcement during weekday afternoon peak periods from 3 to 7 p.m. TPS Parking Enforcement officers will be strategically deployed along high-traffic corridors in the downtown core, enforcing no stopping bylaws where vehicles obstruct the safe and efficient movement of traffic. 

In April, Toronto City Council directed City staff and TPS to conduct two No Stopping enforcement blitzes this year: one by the end of June and a second by the end of September.  

No Stopping Zones are on-street areas where motorists are prohibited from stopping for any reason except to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with a police officer or traffic control signals. No Stopping Zones include key downtown corridors, areas near bus and streetcar stops, pedestrian crosswalks and fire hydrants, as well as other areas that are listed on the City’s website. If a driver chooses to stop or stand in any of these zones, they can receive a $190 ticket and their vehicle may be towed. 

The enforcement blitz is aimed at reminding drivers about the importance of obeying traffic signage to help keep traffic flowing, especially during the busiest times of day, and supports the City’s comprehensive Congestion Management Plan. Learn more about the Congestion Management Plan on the City’s website. 

This initiative is an intensification of TPS’ existing rush hour enforcement operations. The blitz’s results will be reviewed at the end of the two-week period to assess its impact and determine next steps.  

Quotes: 

“Stopping in a No Stopping Zone slows everyone down. A single vehicle can be a big contributor to traffic congestion, especially on our busy downtown corridors. It’s important that everyone obeys the No Stopping signs in these clearly marked areas because we all have a role to play in keeping Toronto moving.”  

– Mayor Olivia Chow 

“When you stop in a no-stopping zone, you’re contributing to congestion and creating an unsafe environment for everyone who is using our roads. For the next two weeks, our Parking Enforcement officers will be increasing their enforcement in the downtown core during rush hours to help keep our streets moving. Follow the rules to avoid getting ticketed or towed and keep our roads safe for everyone who uses them.” 

– Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann, Toronto Police Service Field Services 

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