Traffic Operations

Regulatory Signage

Regulatory signs are intended to instruct road users on how they should operate their vehicles. Regulatory signs indicate or reinforce traffic laws, regulations or requirements which apply either at all times or at specified times or places upon a street or highway. Regulatory signs have different levels of legal status, enforcement regime and penalties for violation depending on their individual governing authority. Some signs are enforceable directly under specific sections of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or other legislation. Other regulatory signs are under more general provisions of the HTA and its regulations and others only under duly enacted municipal by-laws. Regulatory signage designs and installation locations must follow the rules and regulations of the Highway Traffic Act and/or the Ontario Traffic Manual.

 

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Stop Signs

Stop signs are used to designate the right-of-way at an intersection. This assists in reducing the potential for collisions and personal injury among motorists and pedestrians. Stop signs are typically installed on roadways designated as the minor volume approach to an intersection. This provides an unobstructed flow for vehicles located on the major volume roadway.

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All-way Stops

All-ways Stops are utilized at intersections that have similar approach volumes. In order for and All-way Stop to be warranted at an intersection, both the peak hour volume and volume split must meet the warrants that are outlined in the Ontario Traffic Manual. The Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) is a Ministry of Transportation Ontario standards guide, utilized by the City of Welland, Traffic and Parking Operations Division. The OTM provides guidelines that identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, collision history and any unusual conditions which must be present at an intersection for an All-way Stop to be warranted for installation. The installation of unwarranted All-way Stops reduces their effectiveness, increases noise and air pollution, could potentially increase the number and severity of collisions. A popular misconception is that stop signs can assist reducing vehicle speeds or cut-through traffic. However they are ineffective as motorists have a tendancy to speed in between stop signs to make up for lost time. Motorists also become conditioned to “non stop” or “roll through” movements since there is seldom any conflicting traffic on the designated minor roadway. These situations can create a false sense of security for pedestrians, especially young children.

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Speed Limit Signs

Speed limit signs indicate to motorist the maximum legal vehicle speed limit permitted on the roadway. Signs are erected at the beginning and end of each speed zone and intermediate locations in between. As outlined in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), all roadways are 50 Km/h unless otherwise posted. Signs are not required for enforcement. Speed limit signs designating 50 Km/h are installed when the entrance is off a roadway having a higher or lower posted maximum speed limit. A common misconception amongst residents is that lowering the posted speed limit will cause motorist to react accordingly. However, traffic industry studies have proven that unrealistically low speed limits encourage motorist violations by motorist who are often responsible.

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School Zone Speed Limits

Due to the increase in pedestrian and vehicle activity within school zones, speed limits are posted at 40 Km/h. These zones indicate to motorists they should reduce their speeds because they are entering a school zone where school children are present and may be crossing the road. Primarily, 40 Km/h zones are only posted within school zones. This assists in raising awareness to motorists of the heightened potential for encountering children within the area.

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Heavy Truck Restrictions

The purpose of the prohibitive Heavy Truck signage is to indicate roadways on which heavy trucks are not permitted. A time restriction may be used in conjunction with the sign to prohibit trucks from travelling on a certain roadway when they would most adversely affect other road users or residents. The time restriction typically applies at night, when noise and vibrations could be disruptive, particularly in residential areas. Heavy trucks making deliveries on residential streets are exempt from the prohibition.

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School Bus Loading Zones

A school bus loading zone is an area designated by municipal bylaw where school children are picked up or dropped off near their school. The School Bus Loading Zone sign is used to protect school bus users while they are boarding and exiting the bus and to caution drivers to expect pedestrian activity. Vehicles other than School Buses are not permitted to park or stop within these designated zones.

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