Toronto to implement safety measures in wake of soaring pedestrian deaths
TORONTO — A surge in pedestrian deaths has Toronto’s mayor doubling down on a commitment to road safety amid criticism that he isn’t doing enough.
New measures announced by John Tory on Monday include installing signs near a dozen schools to remind drivers to slow down, and extending curbs with paint to reduce crossing distances.
The measures would be part of the city’s five-year “Vision Zero” plan that began last year. Council approved accelerating the plan earlier this year as part of the 2018 budget.
As of Monday, 11 pedestrians have been killed in the city compared to seven at the same time last year. In a high-profile case late last month, an 11-year-old boy was hit while walking home from school in the city’s east end, prompting calls to action from advocates and community members.