Jarrek
Active Member
Emissions up, carpooling down in Peel
By: Joe Chin
May 30, 2007 - Peel residents might say they're concerned about CO2 emissions, but when it comes to using their cars, it appears they are only paying lip service to the problem.
According to a 2006 traffic count, 86.5 per cent of vehicles crossing Region boundaries contained only a single occupant, up from 81.5 per cent the previous year.
“This shows that more people are driving alone rather than carpooling,†said Nick Tunnacliffe, Peel’s commissioner of planning.
Tunnacliffe said action is needed to curb the environment-harming trend.
“Declining auto occupancy indicates a need to undertake an aggressive transportation management program,†he said.
The count was completed over a 15-hour period from 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. in May-June and September-October last year. The data is used in the planning of new infrastructure and services.
Not surprisingly, given its population, Mississauga boasted seven of the Region’s 10 busiest traffic spots.
Hurontario St. south of Hwy. 403 racked up approximately 64,000 vehicles during the period. Mavis Rd. south of Hwy. 403 was close behind, with 62,000, a significant increase from 1995.
They were followed by Hurontario St. north of Hwy. 403, Dixie Rd. south of Hwy. 401, Erin Mills Pkwy. north of Hwy. 403, Derry Rd. east of Hwy. 410 and Mavis Rd. north of Hwy. 403. Brampton cracked the dubious top 10, with Steeles Ave. west of Hwy. 410 (fourth), Queen St. west of Hwy. 410 (seventh) and Bovaird Dr. west of Hwy. 410 (10th).
Peel’s population grew by more than 325,000 people (39 per cent increase) between 1995 and 2006, and this tremendous growth has fueled a significant increase in traffic, said Tunnacliffe.
The survey showed that over that period, inter-regional trips increased by 35 per cent, and inter-municipal trips by 48 per cent.
Not surprisingly, Hwys. 401, 403, 410 and the QEW carry heavy traffic within and through Peel.
Despite the popularity of autos for getting around, GO Rail showed continued increase in its ridership in Peel and remains a practical mode of transportation for travel to and from Toronto.
By: Joe Chin
May 30, 2007 - Peel residents might say they're concerned about CO2 emissions, but when it comes to using their cars, it appears they are only paying lip service to the problem.
According to a 2006 traffic count, 86.5 per cent of vehicles crossing Region boundaries contained only a single occupant, up from 81.5 per cent the previous year.
“This shows that more people are driving alone rather than carpooling,†said Nick Tunnacliffe, Peel’s commissioner of planning.
Tunnacliffe said action is needed to curb the environment-harming trend.
“Declining auto occupancy indicates a need to undertake an aggressive transportation management program,†he said.
The count was completed over a 15-hour period from 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. in May-June and September-October last year. The data is used in the planning of new infrastructure and services.
Not surprisingly, given its population, Mississauga boasted seven of the Region’s 10 busiest traffic spots.
Hurontario St. south of Hwy. 403 racked up approximately 64,000 vehicles during the period. Mavis Rd. south of Hwy. 403 was close behind, with 62,000, a significant increase from 1995.
They were followed by Hurontario St. north of Hwy. 403, Dixie Rd. south of Hwy. 401, Erin Mills Pkwy. north of Hwy. 403, Derry Rd. east of Hwy. 410 and Mavis Rd. north of Hwy. 403. Brampton cracked the dubious top 10, with Steeles Ave. west of Hwy. 410 (fourth), Queen St. west of Hwy. 410 (seventh) and Bovaird Dr. west of Hwy. 410 (10th).
Peel’s population grew by more than 325,000 people (39 per cent increase) between 1995 and 2006, and this tremendous growth has fueled a significant increase in traffic, said Tunnacliffe.
The survey showed that over that period, inter-regional trips increased by 35 per cent, and inter-municipal trips by 48 per cent.
Not surprisingly, Hwys. 401, 403, 410 and the QEW carry heavy traffic within and through Peel.
Despite the popularity of autos for getting around, GO Rail showed continued increase in its ridership in Peel and remains a practical mode of transportation for travel to and from Toronto.
