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We’ve redesigned niagararegion.ca to make it easier to find what you need. We’re still putting on the finishing touches, so over the next few weeks you may notice:
Learn about road features, safety programs and rules in Niagara for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Doubled fines apply in community safety zones
Under the Highway Traffic Act, many set fines are doubled within these zones, including speeding and traffic signal offences.
The rules of the road don't change; only the penalties for violations increase. Zone boundaries are clearly marked with signs showing where the zone begins and ends.
Zone selection and designated locations
When choosing a zone, we consider:
A leading pedestrian interval changes traffic signal timing to give pedestrians a three to five second head start before vehicles receive a green light. This reduces collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, increases pedestrian visibility at intersections, and is a low cost to implement.
To use leading pedestrian intervals, press the "Walk" button at intersections.
Pilot location
Welland Avenue (Regional Road 77) and Court Street, St. Catharines
Niagara Region will evaluate this location before expanding leading pedestrian intervals to other intersections.
Pedestrian crossovers are designated crossing points on Regional roads where pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility devices have the right of way. They are marked with signs and pavement markings and may include flashing lights.
Failing to yield may result in $1,000 fine + 4 demerit points
Drivers must
Pedestrians must
Cyclists must
Red light cameras detect and photograph vehicles that enter an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. The program is designed to reduce serious collisions such as angle and head-on crashes at signalized intersections.
Tickets go to the vehicle owner
Red light camera tickets are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, even if they were not driving at the time. Tickets arrive by mail approximately three to four weeks after the infraction.
When a vehicle enters an intersection on a red light, the camera takes two photos — one as the vehicle approaches the stop bar and one after it has entered the intersection. Photos are taken from behind the vehicle to capture the licence plate.
A Provincial Offences officer reviews the images before any ticket is issued.
Vehicles that enter on a green or amber signal are not photographed.
Vehicles must come to a complete stop behind the stop bar before making a right turn on red.
Failure to stop is a chargeable offence and will be captured by the camera. Vehicles that stop beyond the stop bar may also be at risk of receiving a ticket.
Left turns when the light turns red
Drivers already in the intersection waiting to turn left when the light turns red are making a legal turn and should not be issued a ticket.
The total payable fine for running a red light is $325, made up of a $260 set fine, $60 victim surcharge and $5 court cost.
There are no demerit points for a red light camera charge. However, if the fine goes unpaid, the vehicle's licence plate cannot be renewed. In most cases, red light camera tickets will not affect insurance, but check with your insurance provider to confirm.
Learn how to pay a ticket or fine.
How the money from fines is used
Fine revenue covers the cost of operating the program, including camera maintenance, Ministry of Transportation vehicle ownership lookups and image processing.
The $60 victim surcharge goes to the province to fund victim services. Any net revenue is shared between Niagara Region and the local municipalities to help support road safety programs and education.
Regional Council approved the locations as part of a Public Works Committee report in April 2023.
Locations were chosen based on where cameras were most likely to reduce collisions, whether locations were suitable for installation, and to ensure coverage across Niagara. This approach is consistent with how other municipalities select red light camera sites.
Future expansion to more locations will not be recommended until staff review the early results of the program. Expansion will require a decision by Council.
Red light cameras are installed at 10 fixed locations across Niagara.
Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to keep traffic moving safely. Vehicles travel counter-clockwise around a central island and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. There are no traffic lights or stop signs at a roundabout.
Compared to traditional intersections, roundabouts reduce idling and emissions, improve traffic capacity by 30-50 per cent, and calm neighbourhood speeds.
Since all vehicles travel in the same direction, never crossing paths, roundabouts can also significantly reduce the risk of serious collisions.
75%
Reduction in injury collisions
90%
Reduction in fatal collisions
30%
Reduction in fuel consumption
If you hear or see an emergency vehicle approaching while you're in a roundabout, continue through the roundabout to your exit and then pull over safely.
Don't stop inside the roundabout, as this can block emergency vehicle access.
Roundabouts are designed to accommodate large vehicles including transport trucks. Large vehicles may use the truck apron — the mountable paved area around the central island — to complete their turn. Be sure to give other vehicles plenty of space.
Passenger vehicles should stay out of the truck apron.
Approaching
Entering
Exiting
