A councillor in Caledon, Ont., has introduced a motion asking town staff to work with the Region of Peel to investigate the feasibility of a truck ban – other than those on local delivery – on Regional Road 50 north of Mayfield Road.
Cosimo Napoli said trucks traveling on prohibited roads are a huge safety issue, especially in the downtown Bolton area, the most populous community in the town that sits atop the Region of Peel – the province’s trucking heartland.
“We are not anti-truck, we just want them to obey the law,” he said, adding tractor-trailers drive through downtown Bolton, ignoring ‘no truck’ signs. “We need trucks to for our goods and services and commercial vehicles making local deliveries are welcome.”
He wants heavy trucks traveling through the area to use designated routes like Coleraine Drive and the Albion Vaughan Bypass.
Napoli’s motion also calls on staff to develop a comprehensive designated truck network for Caledon.
Presently in Bolton, heavy trucks are banned on King Street and on Queen Street from Healey Road to where Hwy. 150 joins Hwy. 50 (see map below).
A Town of Caledon official told TruckNews.com, “The current truck route passes through one of Bolton’s largest and most significant retail areas. The presence of large trucks can increase the risk of accidents and near-misses and is a significant concern for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Trucks often miss the truck turn onto Healey Road and end up on small residential streets that are unsuitable for large vehicle turnarounds. Increased truck traffic leads to congestion slowing down traffic flow and increasing travel times for all road users.”
Air and noise pollution
Trucks contribute to air and noise pollution, which can affect the health and quality of life of residents living near busy truck routes, the official added.
“Caledon has seen a startling increase in the number and severity of collisions and near misses between personal and commercial vehicles, some resulting in fatalities,” mayor Annette Groves said in a release. “Caledon will do everything in our power to stop more collisions from happening while we continue to advocate to the province for what Caledon needs to help protect residents.”
Downtown Bolton business owner Harryy is concerned about speeding trucks. “I see them when dropping my son to school. They are not supposed to be here. And they are going much faster than 40 km/h [the posted speed limit],” he said.
He added the area is busy in the evening with pedestrians, including seniors and children. Truck traffic has increased in the past year, he noted.
Safety concerns
Resident Chris said he understands that trucks making local deliveries come through the area but is not happy with heavy vehicles using the small streets to drive through to their destination.
“I walk with my wife on this street and don’t want to be a victim of a truck losing control going downhill.”
Chris, Bolton resident
The downtown area is at the bottom of two steep hills on Queen Street. “I walk with my wife on this street and don’t want to be a victim of a truck losing control going downhill,” he said.
He wants truckers to drive with care and urged more police presence to enforce the ban.
Caledon’s council also presented a motion to form a safe driving and truck operating advisory committee.
“Caledon has seen a dramatic rise in illegal trucking operations that have a harmful impact on residential areas, infrastructure, and the environment. The committee will focus on improving road and traffic safety and driver behavior for safer streets for residents and all drivers,” a town official said.
Illegal trucking operations
Recently the town sought provincial support to address illegal trucking operations within its jurisdiction.
Mayor Groves sent a letter to Caledon MPP and deputy premier Sylvia Jones to strengthen municipal enforcement powers by amending the Planning Act and Municipal Act.
The mayor wants the province to increase maximum penalty amounts for individuals to $50,000 and corporations to $100,000 plus $50,000 for each day continued. The town also seeks the power to enable physically barring entry to properties.
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