The City of Vaughan and York Regional Police launched the Speed Compliance Program in 2010 to raise awareness of motorist travel speed, in comparison to the existing speed limit, using Radar Message Boards (RMBs).

 

Each RMB is equipped with a radar unit that monitors the speed of oncoming traffic, and displays it on a light-emitting diode message board. Signs are placed on the same street, facing opposite directions, to monitor oncoming traffic in both directions.

All traffic data collected from the RMB is analyzed, and study results are forwarded to York Regional Police for their information, driver education, and any associated enforcement efforts.

The Speed Compliance Program proactively addresses two types of priority areas: school zones and higher capacity roadways.
 

School Zones

The Speed Compliance Program is primarily focused on the reduction of speeds through school zones. The Program is supported by school administrators who welcome increasing safety awareness within school communities.

The school zone component of the Program accommodates 48 locations per school year, which represents approximately two-thirds of the elementary schools in the City. RMBs are placed in school zones in the spring and fall, to align with increased pedestrian activity. The RMBs will be active for one week per site.

Higher Capacity Roadways

There are six Radar Message Boards dedicated for higher capacity roadways, either collectors or feeder roads. These roadways have capacities of approximately 12,000 vehicles per day, and are included in the Program because speeding issues have been previously noted. At these locations, the RMBs will be set out for longer durations, typically 8 weeks. In some instances, previous traffic studies have been undertaken, and the emphasis of the RMB will be educational.

Citizen Requests

The Program also includes speed monitoring on a reactive basis in response to concerns raised by residents, as received by staff and York Regional Police. These locations are scheduled on an as-needed basis, for two weeks in duration. 

 Citizen requests for Radar Message Boards can be sent to: accessvaughan@vaughan.ca