Have you noticed the new stop bars in our neighbourhood?

Ever heard of a “stop bar”? Hint: It’s not a drinking hole that one stops at on the way home when the traffic is just too much to bear. Rather, it’s the white painted “bar” on the pavement which is supposed to be at every stop sign. It signals the line behind which vehicles should stop, providing a delineation of the intersection from the street. It’s also a secondary signal that vehicles need to stop, in case the stop sign is hidden or missing. Stop bars improve stop compliance and help to reduce speeds.

No “Stop Bar”

“Stop Bar”

In the last week, the City has repainted many (maybe all) of the stop bars in our neighbourhood, or in some cases, painted them for the first time if they were missing. They should be at every stop sign.

Brooke and Elm

Drivers, this is your opportunity to react to the new stop bars by coming to a full stop and checking in all directions before proceeding. Make our community safer by rigorously following all the rules of the road!