Tory announces new utility work restrictions to improve traffic flow downtown

Toronto is implementing new restrictions on maintenance work in an effort to improve the flow oftraffic downtown but some city councillor'sare divided on the plan.

Mayor John Tory announced on Wednesday thatmaintenance work will not be allowed on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. within a four-square-kilometre area of downtown.

He also said that work can be done in parking lanes between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Tory specifically took aim at maintenancetrucksthat have blockedtraffic lanes during the day for non-emergency work.

"It's not fair to residents or businesses and it's not something that should be happening in a major city," he said.

In a statement released by ward 20 city councillor, Joe Cressysaid he doesn't support the plan for residents in the Trinity-Spadina area.

"I stand in complete opposition to forcing downtown residents to accept late-night and overnight work on a regular basis," he said.

While Cressywas not on board with Tory's new restrictions, Ward 28 city councillorLucy Troisisaid in a tweet that she supported the plan.

"This common-sense policy change was introduced by City staff 3 weeks ago. It ensures utilities won't tie up active lanes of traffic for non-emergency work - so streetcars, bikes, buses & cars can move," she said.

Beyond the designated area and parking lanes Tory said workers will be allowed to do maintenance in the "off-peak direction" as long as it's been determined by city staff first.

The policy will also applyto all subcontractors working on behalf of utility companies on hydro, telephone or cable companies.