Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program

Traffic speeds at various locations in Oakville are measured through the speed survey program. This program typically involves 150 surveys per year and is based mainly on reports of speeding from the public.

Traffic calming measures are used to mitigate speeding in instances where higher speeds have been observed and conventional methods of speed deterrence, such as enforcement and education, have not been effective. Some traffic calming examples include radar speed display signs, speed cushions, and raised barrier medians. 

For additional information on traffic calming, visit the Traffic Calming page. To learn how to request the implementation of traffic calming measures on your street, visit the Traffic Calming Implementation Process page.

The town's first pedestrian crossover was implemented in January 2017 at Navy Street and Church Street. The town’s Pedestrian Safety Program recommends over 170 pedestrian crossover locations be implemented across the town over the next 10 to 15 years. 

Existing Pedestrian Crossover Map

Visit the Pedestrian Safety page to learn the proper way to use them.

A Community Safety Zone (CSZ) is a section of a roadway, designated through a by-law, that identifies a segment of the road where public safety is of paramount concern. Community Safety Zones may include roadways near schools, daycare centres, active parks, hospitals, and senior citizen residences, and may also be used for collision prone areas within a community.

The Highway Traffic Act (HTA) currently allows municipalities to designate road segments as CSZs where public safety is of special concern and certain HTA fines (including speeding) are doubled. 

In June 2019, Council approved a report which recommended that CSZs be implemented at every 40 km/hour zone fronting an elementary school on a major road.

Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to detect and capture images of vehicles travelling in excess of the posted speed limit.

ASE is designed to work in tandem with other road safety measures, such as traffic calming, community safety zones, speed display boards, education initiatives, and police enforcement. These safety measures help improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and our most vulnerable members of our population such as seniors and children.

Town Council recommended the use of 14 cameras to be installed and rotated through the town’s community safety zones. Implementation of the ASE program is anticipated for early December 2024.

How ASE works

When a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit in an ASE area, the ASE system captures an image of the vehicle. A provincial offences officer reviews the image and issues a ticket. The ticket, including a digital copy of the image and an enlargement of the license plate, is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 30 days of the offence.

Tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle regardless of who was driving. No demerit points will be issued.

Why the town uses ASE

ASE is proven to effectively enforce speed limits, increase driver awareness and decrease injuries and fatalities. A number of municipalities across Ontario have already implemented ASE.

ASE is about safety. With clear signage posted, ASE is the reminder we all need to slow down and help keep our communities safe, especially in areas where people of all ages tend to walk, run, bike and play.

Learn more about ASE including frequently asked questions, on the ASE Ontario website.

In September 2023, Town Council voted to maintain the default speed limit of 50 km/hour across all local and minor collector roads in Oakville. The decision was informed by the outcomes of speed surveys conducted as part of a pilot study in three areas. The study showed that the implemented 40 km/hour speed limits did not result in the desired reduction in operating speeds. 

For more information, review the Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program update staff report included in the September 18, 2023 Council meeting agenda.

Any unsigned road in Oakville maintains a default speed limit of 50 km/hour.

One of the key planning goals from the town’s 2018 Switching Gears Transportation Master Plan, was to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for all road users. The town currently has various initiatives to improve traffic safety under the Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program, including education and outreach, network screening, and crossing guard programs. 

The town also recognizes the emerging Vision Zero philosophy that is gaining momentum worldwide for eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users by providing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero embraces the philosophy that all traffic deaths are preventable, and it is a shared responsibility amongst policymakers and designers to ensure a safety system for all road users.

A study to examine the town’s road safety performance and programs in line with the Vision Zero philosophy was completed in 2022. The study identified that as part of Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program, the town is already working on several initiatives to enhance the safety of all road-users. These initiatives include the:

• Traffic calming program,
• Ongoing implementation of pedestrian crossovers, 
• Automated speed enforcement (to be introduced in late 2024), and 
• Community safety zones. 

Moving forward, this study will serve as a guide to plan and implement our future traffic safety programs.