Traffic Signs and Signals

Traffic Signals

The City of Brampton uses a traffic computer system to coordinate traffic signals at City, Region of Peel, Ministry of Transportation, and 407 ETR intersections. Our goal is to move the greatest number of vehicles through a network of signalized intersections with minimal stops and delays in a safe and efficient manner. A well-managed, coordinated traffic control system reduces fuel consumption, travel time, traffic congestion, accidents, and pollution.

The following factors are considered when coordinating signals:

Distance between signalized intersections
Pedestrian traffic
On-street parking
Bus stops
Traffic volume
Speed limits
Advanced left turn signals

Road Safety Signs and Signals

Accessible Pedestrian Signals

An Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) helps visually impaired pedestrians safely cross the street. Non-visual information, such as audible tones, raised directional arrows, and vibrating push buttons, are used along with the pedestrian WALK display.

Pedestrian Countdown Timers

The City of Brampton has implemented a new policy to install pedestrian countdown timers at all new and upgraded traffic signals. The timer counts down when the flashing orange hand symbol is displayed to indicate to the pedestrian how much time they have to safely cross.

Mid-Block Pedestrian Signals

A Mid-Block Pedestrian Signal (MPS) helps pedestrians to safely cross a busy street between intersections, and are installed where there are high pedestrian volumes. Vehicle stop bars are kept 1 metre from the crosswalk to minimize conflicts with pedestrians.

Flashing 40 Signs

Flashing 40 signs designate time specific reduced speed limits in front of certain schools. As regulated by Traffic By-Law 93-93, Schedule X, drivers must travel at 40 km/h when flashing beacons are activated. When not in operation, the speed limit returns to the posted limit for that road.

During the first two weeks of school, these signs will flash Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. For the rest of the school year, flashing beacons will be activated based on school hours and/or peak travel times.

Speed Display Boards

Speed display boards are pole-mounted devices equipped with radar speed detectors and an LED display. The boards are capable of detecting the approaching speed of a vehicle and displaying it back to the driver.

When combined with a regulatory speed limit sign, a clear message is sent to the driver that they may be travelling too fast. The objective of the program is to improve road safety by making drivers aware of their speed.

Vehicle Activated Traffic Calming Signs

Vehicle Activated Traffic Calming Signs (VATCS) are solar powered pole-mounted devices equipped with radar speed detectors and an LED display.

When a vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed, the sign’s LED display will light up and display the words “SLOW DOWN” along with a standard Ontario speed limit sign and flashing ambers in four corners.

Signs are installed on 40 or 50 km/h roads with a higher than expected speed or roads that have been identified in the Neighbourhood Traffic Management Guide. The boards demonstrate Council’s commitment to address citizen concerns regarding vehicle speeds.

Watch for Children Signs

The purpose of the Watch for Children warning sign is to warn drivers of the unexpected presence of children on or near a designated roadway. It is felt that displaying this message will encourage drivers to be more cautious when travelling within a neighbourhood.

These signs are considered on roads when the following criteria are met:

Two-lane collector road
Contain direct residential frontage
Intersect with an arterial road
Show evidence of non-local traffic

Final decisions on sign placement will be based on traffic engineering guidelines and principles.

Municipal Speed Camera Signs

Municipal Speed Camera signs indicate the presence or the planned presence of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras. ASE is an automated system that uses a camera and a speed measurement device to enforce speed limits and to help make roads safer for all users.

Community Safety Zones

The purpose of a Community Safety Zone is to indicate to the motorist that they are within a zone where fines have been increased through a special designation under the Highway Traffic Act (many set fines are doubled such as speeding and traffic signal related offences).

The signs that include the BEGINS and ENDS tabs define the legal limits of the zone. The rules of the road do not change within the zone; only the penalties for violations are increased.

​​​​​​​​​​​Traffic Signals

​​​​​Road Safety Signs and Signals​​​

Traffic Signals

Road Safety Signs and Signals