Vision Zero is a global movement dedicated to the elimination of traffic deaths and injuries caused by vehicular collisions while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.
Vision Zero began in Sweden in 1997 and has now been adopted by countries such as Australia and England, and numerous major cities in the United States. In January 2016, Canada adopted Vision Zero as a federal strategy through Canada’s Road Safety Strategy.
Central to Vision Zero is the shared responsibility between road users, designers, maintainers and operators of the transportation system. It also includes the adoption of a safe systems approach that does not ignore risk-taking behaviour but acknowledges human fallibility and the need to greater allowances for human error.
Road Safety in Middlesex Centre
Injuries and deaths that result from motor vehicle collisions are a serious public health concern in Middlesex Centre -- they take a toll on the victims’ families and friends, as well as the health and social services systems. Yet, most of these injuries and deaths are preventable through the use of strategic and effective road safety initiatives that not only include infrastructure changes and enforcement, but also public education.
Respect the Limit Speed Reduction Campaign - Lawn Signs
There is no doubt that speed plays a role in many preventable motor vehicle accidents. To promote obeying the posted speed limit, Middlesex Centre is offering “Respect the Limit” lawn signs to residents and businesses. The campaign is based on a similar and successful campaign in the City of London.
Signs are available free of charge to Middlesex Centre residents and businesses. Please contact Public Works & Engineering to find out how you can get one for your property.
Community Safety Zones
Community safety zones will see speed limits reduced to 40 km/h in areas of special safety concern such as near schools, playgrounds and senior citizen residences, among others. Traffic violations in these zones come with double the fines of other roadways.
There are community safety zones in Delaware, Ilderton, Kilworth and Komoka. They can be seen in the attached maps (below).
Centre-line Markers
As part of Middlesex Centre’s Vision Zero road safety campaign, centre-line markers have been installed on streets with speeding concerns.
Locations of Centre-Line Markers in 2024
Parking Safely on Roads with Centre-line Markers - If you have centre-line markers on your street, please allow 6m (20ft) on either side of the markers when parking on the road. This will allow cars to pass the centre-line markers without being forced into oncoming traffic.
Speed Cushions
Speed cushions are installed in residential areas as a form of traffic calming. Speed cushions are installed as per the best practices in the Transportation Association of Canada's Canadian Guide to Traffic Calming (2018).
Location of Temporary Speed Cushions for 2024 (installed in spring, removed in fall)
Location of Permanent Speed Cushions (to be installed in 2024)
Traffic Planning
Staff continue to engage with the County of Middlesex on on vehicle speeding concerns and pedestrian safety along County roads. They are also working to identify opportunities to include traffic calming and complete streets design principles and best practices in new developments through review of the Municipal Design Standards.
Safety Blitz
Working with the OPP and other partners, the municipality runs safety blitz with a focus on driving safely in school zones and around buses, and on road safety for youth. These safety blitzes will look to provide enforcement action and to share educational materials through the municipal website and social media. Where possible, the safety blitzes will align with existing campaigns such as Canada Road Safety Week.
Speed Radar Signs
Speed radar signs are a tool to help promote appropriate driving speeds and behaviours. They also collect vehicle speed and volume information.
- Permanent Signs - There are four permanent post mounted radar display board in Middlesex Centre, two posted on Highbury Ave in Bryanston, and two posted on Longwoods Rd in Delaware.
- Mobile Signs - To request that the speed radar sign come to your neighbourhood, contact Middlesex Centre Public Works and Engineering. The sign is typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure road safety requirements are met, placement of the sign is at the discretion of Middlesex Centre staff.
Speeding - Enforcement
For issues related to speeding and enforcement, please contact the Middlesex OPP at 1-888-310-1122 (non-urgent call line). You may also report driving complaints using the OPP's Online Reporting System.