Keeping Ajax streets safe is a priority for the Town and using measures to “calm” the traffic is one way of achieving this.

Traffic calming is a term used to describe a combination of mostly physical features that are intended to reduce vehicle speeds, alter driver behaviour and improve safety conditions for everyone who uses the street.

The Town of Ajax has a Traffic Calming Warrant which includes a process to review all request received by resident and which outlines the appropriate conditions for the installation of traffic calming measures.

Traffic Calming Warrant

In 2020, the Town of Ajax initiated a study to develop an Update of the Towns Traffic Calming Warrant and Process from 2015. The updated Traffic Calming Warrant was adopted by Council in October, 2020.

Traffic Calming Warrant incorporates the latest best practices in traffic calming to address the variety of traffic inquiries relating to excessive speeding, traffic infiltration and collision frequency.

Examples of Traffic Calming

There are many methods of traffic calming. Some of the most common types of traffic calming measures are:

  • Lane narrowing
  • Speed humps
  • Raised crossings
  • Chicanes
  • Bump outs
  • Contrasting surfaces

All-Way Stops as Traffic Calming

Speeding and traffic volumes are among the most common complaint received by Ajax Council members and Town staff. Often staff are asked to install All-Ways Stops as a traffic calming measure. In some cases, these are appropriate – but not always.

The province of Ontario set guidelines for the use of all regulatory traffic controls, signs and pavement markings. All-way stops are supposed to be used at intersections to make it clear who has the right-of-way. They are not supposed to be used to control speeds. When all-way stops are used too much, there are several negative effects:

  • Drivers are more Frustrated;
  • They may ignore stop signs because there are so many;
  • They may speed to make up for lost time;
  • Air pollution is increased because of idling at intersections;
  • More gas is used;
  • There's a higher risk of rear end collisions;
  • There's a higher risk of collisions with vehicles and/or pedestrians

The provincial “Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices” establishes the guidelines when an all-way stop should be used.

Ajax council has heard from many people that they feel these guidelines are too stringent for smaller municipalities like Ajax, so the Town developed its own process to decide when all-ways stops should be used. 

For enquiries, please contact traffic@ajax.ca.

Approved Traffic Calming Projects

Due to Covid-19, the Town will be bundling the current approved traffic calming projects for implementation in spring 2022. Review the approved traffic calming projects bulletin. 

Roundabouts

What is a roundabout?

A roundabout is a signalized circular intersection designed to improve road safety and manage increased traffic demands.

How do they work?

Traffic flows counter-clockwise around a center median. Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to the traffic already in the roundabout. Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to the traffic already in the roundabout. Vehicles must always yield to pedestrians and travel single file, especially when cyclists are present.

Road Watch

The Ajax/Pickering Road Watch program allows residents to report traffic incidents and violations to the Durham Regional Police Service for follow up. The committee is made up of volunteer residents, town staff, police and members of council that coordinate the program.

Report an Incident

  1. To Report any incidents of unsafe driving, fill in the Road Watch – Online Citizen Report Form. Traffic violation notice forms and drop boxes for the forms are provided at Town offices and participating businesses (locations can be found on the printable Citizen Report Form).
  2. Anyone who sees a traffic incident can record the details on the Road Watch Forms and drop them off for the committee. The forms ask for the name of the person reporting it, but this information is kept confidential.
  3. The forms are picked up by Committee members, all of whom have been administered the police Oath of Secrecy.
  4. The information is followed-up by Durham Regional Police.

For more information, or if you are interested in getting involved with the Road Watch as a volunteer, visit Ajax Pickering Road Watch. 

Contact

For more information or for any questions regarding traffic calming please contact the Transportation Department by email traffic@ajax.ca or by phone at 905-619-2529 ext. 3232.