Traffic

The purpose of traffic control signals are to safely alternate and allocate the right-of-way between conflicting traffic movements at an intersection, in an orderly and timely manner through a recognizable electronic system of signal indications. 

Flashing Yellow Beacons

Flashing Yellow Beacons can accompany traffic warning signage where additional emphasis and warning for drivers regarding potentially hazardous conditions is required.  Curve and intersection warnings, along with school areas are examples of where flashing yellow beacons are located.

Intersection & Mid-block Pedestrian Signals

Intersection Pedestrian Signals (IPS) and Mid-block Signals, are traffic signals designed to assist pedestrians crossing a busy street. Pedestrians cross with the assistance of push buttons and pedestrian signal heads. The traffic control signal of an IPS only regulates the traffic on the main street that the pedestrians are crossing. Vehicles approaching the intersection from a side street are controlled by stop signs. To ensure traffic safety, both motorists and pedestrians should take extra caution at an Intersection Pedestrian and Mid-block signal.

All traffic control signals are maintained by the Regional Municipality of Durham.  To report malfunctioning traffic control signals, please contact the Region of Durham Traffic Control Centre at 905.666.8116 of by email at traffic@durham.ca.

Stop Signs

Stop signs are intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right of way, as opposed to being used as a speed control device. In general, stop signs should only be used where traffic engineering studies considering such factors as, traffic volumes, restricted sightlines, and/or collision experience indicate that the application of stop signs are warranted.

While all-way stops are often considered a quick fix for speeding concerns, incorrect use of stop signs tends to frustrate many motorists and may result in reduced compliance and increased speeds in between traffic control devices.

The City's All-way Stop Sign Policy provides details on the implementation of stop signs. If a stop sign is down or missing, please report it to our Customer Care Centre.

Traffic Engineering is responsible for traffic operational studies, designed to improve safety and efficiency of the roadway. They deal with issues such as:

• regulatory and warning signs
• traffic control device warrants for: Traffic Control Signals, Stop Signs and Intersection Pedestrian Signals
• traffic monitoring programs
• collision statistics
• speed zone studies
• parking studies involving both on-street and off-street parking facilities
• traffic calming measure projects
• pavement markings
• school crossing protection

Students are supervised to ensure their safety when crossing roads with no traffic control signals, stop signs, or yield signs present.

Traffic Engineering performs field studies to determine if a School Crossing Protection is warranted. The Ministry of Transportation has developed a province wide warrant, and set of guidelines for municipalities to abide by when determining if school crossing protection is warranted.

The City of Pickering installs and maintains all traffic signs and pavement markings on city streets.

Traffic Engineering staff are responsible for the following:

• investigate concerns and complaints related to signs and pavement markings
• review and suggest placement of signs and pavement markings
• recommend By-law amendments for regulatory signs

Please contact our Customer Care Centre if a damaged or missing sign needs to be replaced.