Traffic Services
Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings
The Transportation Services Section is responsible for the engineering aspect and the installation and ongoing maintenance of traffic signage and pavement markings. This includes identifying the appropriate sign/marking, size and the respective location. In order to retain credibility of all traffic control devices,
consistency in application is necessary. Insufficient signs may leave road users unprepared, while over-signing results in complacency. We are required to adhere to the Ontario Traffic Manuals established by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. This manual sets the engineering requirements for which type of sign is to be posted, the size, spacing and
colour(s)) of the sign.
To report a missing or damaged traffic sign (i.e. street name sign, stop sign, parking sign, etc) please contact 905-356-1355.
Facts about All Way Stop Controls
Click here for facts about All-Way Stops
Traffic Signals
For emergency maintenance call 905-356-1355
Traffic signals are necessary to ensure safe vehicular and pedestrian movement on city streets. In an effort to meet this task it is essential that signals be functional at all times. Transportation Services is responsible for the engineering aspect of traffic signal operations for intersections under city jurisdiction. This includes determining the appropriate signal timing and phasing. On-going maintenance of the signals is carried out by the Region of Niagara.
Intersection Pedestrian Signals
In addition to full traffic signals, the city has Intersection Pedestrian Signals located at Victoria Avenue @ Jepson Street and Kalar Road @ Coventry Rd. For information on their operation, click here.
Oversize/Overweight Load Permit
An Oversize / Overweight Load Permit is required by companies wanting to move loads that exceed Ontario Highway Traffic Act accepted length, width, height or weight limits. Section 110 of the Highway Traffic Act authorizes municipalities to grant permits for the movement of excess loads within their jurisdiction, upon application in writing, and may specify any conditions deemed necessary by the Corporation to protect persons or property from injury or damage. Available are single use permits for a fee of $25.00 or an annual permit at $150.00. A minimum of 48 hours processing time is required.
Click Here for an application form and to view general conditions.
Neighbourhood Speed Watch Program
Curtailing speeds within subdivisions is one of the most frequent requests received by staff. In order to address the issue of excessive speeds through an educational program the Neighbourhood "Speed Watch" Program is available for citizens. To participate in the program or for more information on the Speed Watch program click here.
Kiss & Ride Program
During a 20-30 minute period prior to school's commencement and after the school day, there is a large volume of motorists and children mixed together within a confined space both on school property and on the roadway adjacent to the school. As a result, numerous safety problems have developed that pose a safety risk to children. They include:
- traffic congestion - on the road adjacent to the school and in the school parking lot
- u-turns / 3 point turns- motorists that are reversing or carrying out turning maneuvers to not easily see children
- parents blocking driveways
- parents interfering with school buses
- parents double parking
- children crossing between parked / moving cars - there is a potential for accidents as children are not easily seen when walking between vehicles due to the average height of a child being around 3 feet
- illegal parking / stopping on both sides of the street
- children crossing the street unassisted to a waiting parent which is promoted by parents that are parking / stopping illegally.
The City of Niagara Falls in co-operation with local schools, the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board has implemented a program called the Kiss and Ride program. The Kiss and Ride program is the management of vehicular traffic through school sites in a planned and supervised environment. This is accomplished by designating a portion of the school driveway for the safe pickup and drop-off of children. Parents are encouraged to pull into the kiss and ride location and stop only long enough to allow their children to enter or exit the vehicle. No parking, or stopping for more than 1 minute is allowed. Volunteers wearing bright orange safety vests assist the child to and from the vehicle. Devices such as signs, traffic cones and pavement markings are used to identify the zones.
Each school in Niagara Falls is unique. The kiss and ride program functions well on school sites with semi circular driveways, however the program can function effectively at schools with singular access. A parking lot can provide adequate space for a kiss and ride program with some modifications to the existing parking configuration. The basic principals of the program remain the same.
A kiss and ride facility may be implemented at various schools, however, it's success is dependant on the commitment of the school and volunteers.
For more information on the Kiss & Ride Program, please call 905-356-7521 extension 5200.
Special Events Permit Application
Click here to view the Special Events Permit Application PDF file.
Privately Owned Commercial Parking Lots
As a visitor to the City of Niagara Falls, be advised that the City licenses independent parking lot operators. Before parking your vehicle, look for the sign, which identifies rates, and provides the license number of the approved operator.
Parking lots without these signs have not been licensed by the City of Niagara Falls. These lots may be illegal and may not have the appropriate liability insurance to protect their customers. Be aware. Be careful of your property.
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