Lincoln, ON – (September 24, 2024) – The Town of Lincoln is continuing its commitment to road safety through both innovative technology and strategic partnerships. Following Council approval of the Truck Bypass Camera Monitoring Pilot Project update report (PW-08-24) on September 23, the Town continues to enhance road safety measures. Two key initiatives – the ongoing Truck Bypass Camera Monitoring Pilot Project and truck bypass enforcement blitzes – are working together to reduce unsafe commercial vehicle activity and ensure compliance with Ontario’s road safety standards.
The Truck Bypass Camera Monitoring Pilot Project, first implemented in early 2023, leverages advanced AI technology to monitor and detect commercial vehicles that bypass the Vineland Inspection Station on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). The system notifies Ministry of Transportation (MTO) officers of repeat offenders, enabling targeted enforcement while collecting data on truck volumes and potential safety risks. This innovative approach aligns with Lincoln’s ongoing commitment to road safety, as reflected in Council’s strategic priorities.
The report presented to Council outlined key findings from the past 17 months of monitoring, including a 27% increase in truck traffic on King Street and a 33% rise on Greenlane Road during active station hours. These figures highlight the critical role of the camera system in identifying bypassing trends and addressing road safety concerns. Additionally, a third camera installed in late 2023 has proven effective in monitoring truck traffic along Jordan Road, a known bypass route.
“The camera monitoring pilot is a groundbreaking tool in our efforts to deter unsafe practices by commercial vehicles,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “By focusing on repeat offenders, we can take meaningful steps to reduce risks on our roads and ensure the safety of our residents and visitors alike.”
Working in tandem with the camera system, the Town of Lincoln and partner agencies have conducted several safety blitzes throughout the year. These enforcement initiatives focus on commercial vehicles avoiding the Vineland Inspection Station, a known issue among commercial truck drivers trying to avoid inspection. The latest blitz was led by the MTO on September 23 and saw:
- 20 vehicles comprehensively inspected.
- 9 vehicles removed from the highway after significant safety concerns were identified.
- 5 charges laid.
“These enforcement initiatives highlight our unwavering commitment to addressing safety concerns on our roads,” said Tony Brunet, Ward 2 Councillor and Chair of the Town’s Community Services and Infrastructure Committee. “We’re making it clear that unsafe trucks have no place in our community, and we’ll continue these proactive measures to protect our residents.”
The data collected from both the camera pilot project and the MTO blitzes will contribute to further understanding of truck traffic trends in Lincoln. As the Town gathers more insights, it plans to continue its collaboration with the MTO and Niagara Regional Police Service to address traffic concerns and ensure safer roads for all.
“The partnership between the Town of Lincoln, MTO, and other enforcement agencies is crucial in keeping our roads safe,” added Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Lincoln. “Our combined efforts are not only reducing risks but also supporting the overall quality of life in Lincoln.”
For more information on truck safety in Lincoln, visit Speak Up Lincoln.
The Town continues to implement traffic safety initiatives throughout the community, including community safety zones, pedestrian crossovers, speedbumps, and digital speed feedback signs. Visit Lincoln.ca for more details.
Background
Truck Traffic in Lincoln and History of Safety Blitzes
In April 2019, Lincoln Council approved a resolution regarding truck safety in Lincoln, which addressed community concerns related to truck traffic and identified several action items to address the concerns. In the short term, the Beamsville Alternate Truck Route Initiative is planned to redirect truck traffic from the downtown area of Beamsville and along Bartlett Road and Durham Road.
In the longer term, the Niagara Escarpment Crossing Project will be a new north-south truck route strategically located between the QEW and Regional Road 20. This route supports the need identified in the Niagara Region Transportation Master Plan for a new north-south escarpment crossing linking the QEW with Highway 20. It will offset the implications of high commercial vehicle traffic travelling through urban and residential areas within the west Niagara communities of Lincoln and Grimsby.
The Town’s Transportation Master Plan developed comprehensive strategies for the movement of goods which requires ongoing partnership with the Niagara Region and other key agencies such as the Minister of Transportation and Niagara Regional Police.