Drivers will have a new four-way stop in the Algoma Street area in the future.
Councillor Aldo Ruberto says while city staff say the stop sign at Dufferin and Secord Streets isn’t necessary, he feels it’s a matter of safety.
“Sometimes, the stats do not reflect the reality of the area. There’s a lot more kids in the area, there’s a lot more younger families in the area. Kids, as you know, have a tendency to run out into the street.”
Mayor Bill Mauro was wary of the four-way stop, pointing out city administration’s warnings that it may backfire.
“It’s been my experience over the years that sometimes, when it comes to traffic-related issues, it may almost be counter-intuitive. You may think you’re doing the right thing, but you may be making a situation worse.”
Administration told Councillors that four-way stops can cause drivers to become less careful over time, choosing to not perform a full stop before continuing into the intersection.
Last night, Council also asked city staff to track how the new stop affects traffic and report back in two years.
