Drivers need a telescope to spot signs

When drivers can’t see signs telling them what they can’t do, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll do it.

Road signs are essential to keeping drivers on the straight and narrow. They provide the visual cues that allow motorists to get where they’re going while keeping traffic flowing smoothly.

Or at least that’s the objective. But when the sign is too far from the spot where drivers make a decision on what to do, it’s easy to make a mistake and end trying to complete an illegal turn.

Leslie Carlin sent us a note saying she watches a daily drama play out from her office window during the afternoon rush hour, at the intersection of Elm St. and University Ave.

Carlin also emailed us a photo of signs suspended above the intersec- tion, advising drivers that left turns from Elm onto University are banned during the morning and afternoon rush.

“If you magnify the picture you might be able to see the signs, way in the distance, across six lanes of traffic plus a (centre median), hanging next to the traffic lights on the other side of University.

“Drivers awaiting a green light at the limit line on Elm cannot make the signs out, since most chose to leave their telescopes at home. “Regular commuters know the signs are there and honk mercilessly at drivers who do not, who attempt a left turn at the wrong times. Many of these hapless individuals are likely visiting one of the local hospitals and are already distressed.”

We were there after 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday and observed several drivers trying to turn left when they weren’t supposed to, which likely happened because they didn’t see the signs. Status: We talked to Allen Pinkerton, who’s in charge of city street signs. Pinkerton pointed out that at wide intersections where signs with information on left-turn prohibitions are a long way from the driver, the city usually puts in a similar sign on the right-hand side of the near corner, before drivers enter the intersection, to give them plenty of warning.

He thinks the near-corner signs are missing, and said he will make sure new ones are installed ASAP. What’s broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. To contact us, go to thestar.com/yourtoronto/the_fixer or call us at 416-869-4823 or email jlakey@thestar.ca. Report problems and follow us on Twitter @TOStarFixer.