Road work after paving often necessary
The city repaved Willowdale Ave. from Steeles to Cummer Aves. Days later, a crew cut a big rectangular hole in the new pavement. Why didn’t they do this work beforehand? Steve Johnston of the city of Toronto replies: The work observed was the reinstallation of the inductive detector loops in the pavement. They are essential for the operation of the traffic control signals at the intersection. These loops detect northbound traffic approaching the intersection and allow the signal to change from east/west green to serve northbound traffic.
This work needs to be completed after the final lift of pavement. The cut in the pavement actually forms the structure for the inductive loop. Would police investigate and lay charges if shown my dash-cam video of another driver’s traffic misdeeds? York Regional Police Const. Andy Pattenden replies: Yes, that is a possibility. However, for charges, the person who took the video and witnessed the infraction would be required to be a witness in court.
We often receive dash-cam videos through our Road Watch online reporting system. These videos help us see exactly how offences are taking place in specific areas in order to better target police enforcement. Don’t let your warm car become a “hot” car As winter approaches, York Regional Police are reminding drivers not to leave their vehicles unattended while running and unlocked. Last year, 21 “warm-up thefts” from residential driveways occurred in York Region.
Vehicles stolen ranged from highend to low-end, with five autos taken in a one-day spree. “Drivers often think they’ll only be away from their car for a few minutes and it’s in their own driveway, so there’s little risk, but that’s exactly the behaviour thieves are looking for,” warns York Const. Andy Pattenden.
“These thieves are professionals who spend significant time watching neighbourhoods, searching for the vehicle they want and learning the vehicle owner’s behaviour. As soon as they see the opportunity, they strike, taking your vehicle in a matter of seconds.”
If you must warm up your vehicle, don’t leave it unattended unless equipped with a remote starter or proximity key (though some cars can be driven away, once started, without the proximity key). Remain in your car or lock it and keep a spare key with you.
Also, don’t leave your car running, unlocked and unattended, during quick errands at the gas station, bank, coffee shop, etc. Thieves are waiting for you to make that mistake. Freelance writer Eric Lai is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. Email your non-mechanical questions to him at wheels@thestar.ca. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.