Traffic Signs and Signals

The purpose of a stop sign is to control the right of way at an intersection. All-way stop controls are installed at the intersection of two relatively equal roadways, having similar traffic volume demand and operating characteristics or in response to high collision rates, excessive vehicular delay, and a high rate of pedestrian crossings at the intersection.

Many people believe that the installation of stop signs will lower the speed at which vehicles travel on a particular street. This in untrue, and may result in higher speeds between stop signs, as drivers accelerate to make up the lost time for having to stop.

Stop signs are only effective at slowing traffic within a short distance of the intersection. Improper use of all-way stop controls unnecessarily restricts traffic flow. At unwarranted locations, drivers who do not expect cross traffic often fail to stop completely at the intersection, which negatively affects pedestrian safety.

For any of the local intersections, submit your comments and requests to the Municipality of Clarington. For all intersections involving a Regional road, please contact the Region of Durham.

We will not install a signal if an intersection does not meet the minimum traffic volume.

The purpose of both stop signs and traffic control signals is to assign right-of-way at intersections and not to control speed. Installing inappropriate traffic control often results in drivers disobeying the control or speeding to make up time.

A new signal installation costs between $120,000 and $350,000 per installation.

The annual maintenance cost is approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per signal.

The Region and the Municipality receive and investigate many requests to install traffic control signals each year. However, in most cases, a signal will not alleviate the difficulties experienced by motorists or pedestrians at an intersection. When considering the need for a new traffic signal, staff must determine if a new signal will negatively impact the quality of traffic flow and the safety of other local roads.

No. It's a common misconception that traffic signals are necessary to address speeding issues. In areas where speeding is a problem, speed limit signs and police traffic enforcement are more effective in controlling speed.