Toronto Traffic Calming: Speed Humps & Roundabouts
Toronto, Ontario residents and local officials commonly use traffic calming to reduce speeds and improve neighbourhood safety. This guide explains how the City evaluates and installs speed humps and roundabouts, who enforces rules, how to request measures, and what to expect during consultation and enforcement. It summarises procedures, typical timelines, and practical next steps to apply, appeal, or report problems so residents can navigate Toronto’s official process efficiently.
What are speed humps and roundabouts
Speed humps are raised pavement features designed to reduce vehicle speeds on local streets. Roundabouts are circular intersections that slow turning speeds and reduce conflict points. The City of Toronto publishes its traffic calming program and criteria for when these measures are considered and installed Traffic Calming - City of Toronto[1].
Process for requests and evaluation
Typical steps the City follows include initial eligibility screening, traffic and speed data collection, neighbourhood consultation, engineering design or pilot, Council or delegated approval, and installation. Requests are usually submitted online or through 311; an official request form and details are published by the City Request traffic calming[3].
- Initial screening and data collection: typically weeks to months.
- Community consultation and feedback: multiple meetings or mailouts.
- Design, pilot or construction: schedule depends on scope and Council decisions.
Design considerations and impacts
Design teams consider speed, traffic volume, transit routes, emergency access, cycling lanes, drainage, maintenance and accessibility. Roundabouts can significantly reduce severe collisions but require space and design review; the City provides technical descriptions for roundabouts and other intersection treatments Roundabouts - City of Toronto[2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of speed limits and moving violations is primarily under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (enforced by Toronto Police Service); installation, maintenance and compliance of traffic calming devices are managed by City staff in Transportation Services and related departments. Specific monetary fines for violating speed limits are set under provincial rules and may not be listed on the City traffic calming pages; details about City responsibilities and processes are on the City traffic calming page Traffic Calming - City of Toronto[1].
- Fine amounts for speeding: not specified on the cited City page; speeding fines follow provincial HTA schedules.
- Bylaw penalties for improper use or damage to traffic devices: not specified on the cited City page.
- Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offences and ranges: not specified on the cited City page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: City orders to repair or remove unauthorised changes; provincial enforcement may include charges under the HTA.
- Enforcers: Toronto Transportation Services for installation and compliance; Toronto Police Service for moving violations and speed enforcement.
- Inspection and complaints: report via the City traffic calming page or 311 as indicated on official pages.
Applications & Forms
The City publishes a traffic calming request procedure and form; name and submission details are on the City request page referenced above. Fees, exact form numbers or filing deadlines are not specified on the program pages and should be confirmed on the request page or by contacting the City directly Request traffic calming[3].
- Application form: Traffic calming request (see City request page).
- Fees: not specified on the City program pages.
- Submission: online via City form or 311 as directed on the request page.
Common violations
- Driving over or modifying a traffic calming device: may lead to City orders and charges; amounts not specified on the program page.
- Speeding on streets with temporary or pilot calming: enforcement by Toronto Police Service under the HTA.
- Obstructing design or construction works: enforcement through City orders and potential fines (not specified).
Action steps
- Check City eligibility and existing studies on the traffic calming page.
- Complete and submit the traffic calming request form or contact 311.
- Follow consultation notices and respond during the community engagement phase.
- If you disagree with a decision, ask City staff about appeal or review routes; time limits for appeals are not specified on the program pages.
FAQ
- How do I request a speed hump or roundabout in my neighbourhood?
- Start by submitting the City traffic calming request form or contacting 311; the City screens requests and conducts data collection, design and consultation before any installation.
- Who enforces speed limits where traffic calming is installed?
- Toronto Police Service enforces speed limits under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, while the City installs and maintains devices and can issue orders for compliance.
- Are there fees to apply for traffic calming?
- The City program pages do not list application fees; check the official request page or contact the City for current information.
How-To
- Confirm the problem and check City eligibility criteria on the traffic calming program page.
- Collect neighbour support and document concerns (photos, times, speeding observations).
- Submit the official traffic calming request form online or via 311.
- Participate in City data collection and community consultation when requested.
- Review pilot results and Council or delegated approval; if approved, follow construction timelines and maintenance guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Traffic calming requires City screening, data collection, and consultation before installation.
- Toronto Transportation Services manages installations; Toronto Police enforce moving violations.
- Use the City request form or 311 to start the process.
Help and Support / Resources
- 311 Toronto - report a traffic problem
- City of Toronto Transportation Services
- Toronto Police Service - traffic enforcement
