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Traffic Signals

Watch for new crossing guard flashing stop signs!

Drivers - please watch for our school crossing guards' new flashing stop signs and listen for their whistles as they safely escort children across Newmarket roadways.

• First whistle: the guard only proceeds to centre of roadway with the new flashing stop sign to stop traffic.
• When the traffic has stopped, a second whistle advises the children to cross the road.
• After the children have been safely crossed and the guard is out of harm's way, a third whistle indicates to the driver it is now safe to proceed.

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Intersection Pedestrian Signal

An Intersection Pedestrian Signal (IPS) was recently installed at the intersection of Main Street South and Botsford Street (right). An IPS is a traffic signal designed to assist pedestrians in crossing a busy street. The signal consists of red, amber and green traffic lights for vehicles on the street that pedestrians are crossing, and lights with walking person and hand symbols for the pedestrians. A pedestrian indicates the desire to cross by pushing a push-button. The signal will stop the vehicles on the street and provide an interval for pedestrians to cross.

There are no traffic lights facing vehicles on the side streets. Those vehicles are controlled by stop signs.

In order to ensure traffic safety, both motorists and pedestrians have roles to play at an Intersection Pedestrian Signal.

Pedestrians crossing the street

How do I to use the signal?

It's easy! Just push the button to indicate your desire to cross. In a few seconds, traffic on the street will stop and the walking person light will be displayed.

Cross the street only when it is safe! When you see the walking person light:

• Look in all traffic directions and check for turning cars.
• Be sure to look left-right-left.
• Proceed across when it is safe to do so.

Do not start to cross the street after the flashing hand has been displayed! When the flashing hand is displayed:

• Do not stop in the middle of the crosswalk or return to the curb.
• Simply complete your crossing to the other side at a normal pace.

Motorists facing the traffic signal

• Obey the traffic lights as at any signal.
• Stop at the stop line.
• Even if the signal turns green, let pedestrians finish crossing before proceeding; also expect traffic to enter the intersection from the side street and cross your path.
• Before turning left, wait for a gap in on-coming traffic as at any traffic light.

Motorists facing the stop sign

• Stop at the painted stop line for the stop sign as at any stop controlled intersection.
• Allow pedestrians and vehicles to cross.
• Proceed into the intersection only when pedestrian and vehicular traffic is clear.

Frequently asked questions about the IPC

Why is the waking person light not long enough to cross the street before the flashing hand is displayed? There is a common misunderstanding that the walking person light should be displayed for the entire time required to cross the street. The walking person light tells pedestrians that they may begin to cross. The pedestrian protection does not end when the walking person light ends and the flashing hand begins. The flashing hand means you shouldn't begin your crossing. It continues to provide protection for pedestrians who began their crossing during the walking person interval.

Why is the walking person light not displayed immediately after I push the yellow pedestrian button?
At quiet times, the light will change very quickly. At busy times of the day, it can take a little longer to handle heavy traffic on the street.

Turning vehicles do not give way to me when I cross even when the walking person light is displayed. What should I do?
By law, all vehicles have to yield to pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk, but some drivers may not show enough courtesy. For your own protection, be attentive and watch for vehicles turning across your path. Make eye contact with the turning driver and be certain that it is safe before continue to walk across.

When I am driving toward the red-amber-green lights, why do I have to stop so far from the crosswalk?
The stop line is designed to be at a location which allows motorists facing the signal to easily see the traffic lights and the intersection when stopped. Motorists must stop at or behind the painted stop line on the road for the red light.

How do I turn from the side street when vehicles on the main street have stopped for the Intersection Pedestrian Signal?
You are required to yield to all pedestrians and vehicles on the main street. Once you have stopped for the stop sign, check the pedestrian and vehicular traffic for a suitable gap even the vehicles on the main street have stopped. When it is safe, proceed into the intersection carefully. When in doubt, act cautiously and allow the main street traffic to clear.

For more information, please call the Public Works Services Department at 905-895-5193.