All-Way Stops

The Purpose of All-Way Stops

The Province of Ontario sets guidelines for the use of all regulatory traffic controls, signs and pavement markings. All-way stops are supposed to be used at intersections to make it clear who has the right-of-way. They are not supposed to be used to control speed. When all-way stops are used too much, there are several negative effects:

• drivers are more frustrated;
• they may ignore stop signs because there are so many;
• they may speed to make up for lost time;
• air pollution is increased because of idling at intersections;
• more gas is used;
• there's a higher risk of rear end collisions;
• there's higher risk of collisions with vehicles and/or pedestrians

The Provincial "Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices" states that all-way stops should be used only:

• when there is a high number of collisions (average 4 right-angle (T-bone) and collisions while turning, per year for a 3 year period);
• where traffic lights are soon to go in;
• when traffic controls are being changed.

Ajax Council has heard from many people that they feel these guidelines are too stringent for smaller municipalities like Ajax, so the Town developed its own process to decide when all-way stops should be used. 

For more information on local traffic issues, contact Angela Gibson at 905-619-2529, ext. 209.