MARKHAM, ON – Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti announced today a Traffic Calming Working Group to review new traffic calming measures placed on Carlton Road and Village Parkway in Unionville.

The Working Group, to be chaired by Ward 3 Councillor Joe Virgilio, will include local residents, and representatives from York Regional Police, Unionville Ratepayers Association, Markham's Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and York Region District School Board. Markham’s Traffic Safety Committee may also be involved.

“Our early process of public meetings and resident surveys showed support for traffic calming on these streets. However, we need to address the concerns of residents now that the traffic calming measures are in place,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Cycling and road safety continues to be a top priority, and this will be the focus of the Working Group in reviewing resident concerns and the design of the new traffic calming measures.”

“The new traffic calming design was selected to address safety concerns and not impede the use of the streets as a designated service route for emergency, medical and fire services and region transit,” said Ward 3 Councillor Joe Virgilio. “A need was identified for traffic calming and improved safety on these streets but it is clear there are concerns with the current design. The Working Group will act immediately to address these concerns and identify what actions need to be taken.”

The Traffic Calming Working Group will conduct a review of the design and development process for Carlton Road and Village Parkway, assess the effectiveness of the current traffic calming system, and determine what actions need to be taken. The group will then host a public information meeting in November this year and report to Markham Council with its findings.

Markham Council passed a resolution at its September 9, 2008 meeting which outlined the composition and purpose of the Traffic Calming Working Group. An independent traffic study revealed the average vehicle speed on these streets was in excess of the posted speed limit of 40km/hr, and in some instances vehicles were travelling over 80 km/hr in a 40 km/hr speed zone. Vehicle collision rates are also higher than normal on these streets. Traffic calming measures were put in place after resident surveys and public meetings confirmed support for the traffic calming measures to be installed.