Cameras are helping Seattle fight gridlock. Toronto’s taking note

Traffic congestion is a major issue in cities around the world, and Toronto is no exception. With gridlock costing the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area billions of dollars each year, city officials are exploring new ways to tackle the problem. One solution that has caught their attention is Seattle’s automated enforcement program, which aims to deter drivers from blocking intersections and driving in bus lanes.

Officer Eric Daylong of the Seattle Police Department’s traffic unit has seen firsthand how automated enforcement cameras can impact congestion in the city. By issuing warnings and tickets for violations such as blocking the box and driving in bus lanes, Seattle has been able to change driver behavior and improve traffic flow. Since the program launched in 2022, the recidivism rate for blocking the box violations has been as low as nine percent, indicating that the program is having a positive impact.

Toronto is now looking to follow Seattle’s lead by piloting automated enforcement for similar traffic infractions. With plans to install cameras at busy intersections and gather data to build the program, the city hopes to hold drivers more accountable and alleviate congestion. While enforcement is not expected to begin until at least 2026, city officials are eager to learn from Seattle’s success and implement similar strategies in Toronto.

Acting Supt. Matt Moyer of Toronto police’s traffic services believes that automation will help hold drivers accountable and reduce the need for police officers to be stationed at busy intersections. Urban planning expert Matti Siemiatycki sees the potential for automated enforcement to have a significant impact on congestion, but acknowledges that a broader range of solutions will be needed to fully address the issue.

In Part 2 of Gridlocked: The Way Out, experts will delve into why congestion is so bad in Toronto and how implementing a combination of solutions in tandem could help improve traffic flow. By learning from cities like Seattle and leveraging innovative technology, Toronto is taking steps towards a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.