Toronto police to conduct targeted road-safety patrols this summer

The last day of school is quickly approaching, which means more children will be out on neighbourhood streets next week.

And with that in mind, Toronto police revealed their plans Monday for how they plan to keep everyone safe on the roadways this summer.

The main part of police’s Summer Safety Traffic Initiatives is to have 300 extra shifts going out on patrol in targeted corridors.

“Starting on July 2 and running through September … there’s going to be 300 additional assignments for officers to work across the city in these identified key corridors,” Sgt. Brett Moore with Traffic Services said.

While officers will be focusing on distracted drivers, impaired driving, aggressive drivers and speeders, the summer program will also zero in on going beyond ride checks and actually seeking out impaired drivers — for example, in areas where police get complaints.

“Traffic crimes cost society more, devastate more Ontario families, inflict more physical insult that all other crimes combined,” said.

So far this year, Moore said 24 people have been killed on Toronto’s roads — many of whom have been seniors and vulnerable people.

Police said last year there were 66 pedestrian fatality, and 51 (81 per cent) of those victims were vulnerable road users.

The Summer Safety Traffic Initiatives links in with all the other safety efforts carried out by police and the city, including Mayor John Tory’s Vision Zero plan.

Tow trucks will also be used to get delivery vehicles out of the way in the city’s downtown core during rush hour traffic, in order to keep the bike lanes clear and cut down on congestion.