Automated Speed Enforcement Launching Soon
A well-managed and coordinated traffic control system reduces fuel use, travel time, traffic congestion, accidents and pollution. The City uses traffic flow measures to contribute to the safe movement of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and motorists throughout Barrie.
Speed Limits
Ontario's Ministry of Transportation’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA) sets a default municipal speed limit of 50 km/h on roadways within cities, towns, villages or built-up areas. The HTA grants the City authority to set speed limits; under this legislation, set speed limits range from 40–80 km/h in 10 km/h intervals.
City policy mandates a 40 km/h speed limit in front of elementary schools and for roadways whose geometric design cannot support a 50 km/h or higher limit. On major roads where elementary schools are present, a "40 km/h when flashing" speed limit may be considered.
Traffic Signals & Signs
Traffic signals and signs direct the Right-Of-Way (ROW) for motorists and pedestrians by guiding and regulating traffic flow. City crews maintain existing signals and signs and install new ones when approved.
Many factors are considered when coordinating signs and signals, including the distance between signalized intersections, pedestrian traffic, on-street parking, bus stops, traffic volume, speed limit, left-turning traffic, and collision history.
Traffic Calming
Traffic calming is the installation of physical measures to alter negative motorist driving behaviour. The objective: achieve uniform driving patterns at reduced speeds on roads where lower speeds enhance safety and livability in neighbourhoods. Traffic-calmed streets improve residents’ quality of life and increase safety for active transportation.
Effective traffic calming measures include radar speed advisory boards, road diets, speed cushions, bollard islands, and bollard chicanes. A stop sign is not a speed control device; stop signs allocate right-of-way travel at intersections. When used for speed control drivers may generally disobey the sign and do not stop, which is extremely dangerous.
Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE)
Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is a system that uses speed cameras to enforce speed limits. Speed cameras are an affordable way to enforce speed limits, slow down motorists and improve public safety.
ASE cameras are scheduled to go live and begin issuing tickets the week of November 27, 2023. Two cameras were installed during the week of November 13 and are currently in testing mode. Motorists may notice a camera flash going off, but the cameras are not actively enforcing the speed limit yet. More information will be shared when the cameras are live.
There is a very simple way to avoid getting a ticket—don’t speed. Please slow down and help keep our communities safe.