Street Lights, Traffic Signals and Signs
Streetlight Maintenance
The Town is responsible for the operation and maintenance of more than 2700 streetlights. Town Staff coordinate the yearly streetlight system inspections, streetlight pole replacements and maintenance of defective fixtures.
Streetlights cannot be relocated as they are installed in specific locations to meet design standards for ample lighting on the street.
Streetlights are useful for:
- Providing a feeling of safety, security and comfort.
- Helping to reduce nighttime vehicular accidents by increasing visibility for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
- Enhancing social and commercial traffic.
To report a streetlight out or a problem with a street light:
- Contact the Customer Service Centre at 519-688-3009 or use our Report a Problem form. Town staff will co-ordinate with the Contractor to ensure the repairs are completed as soon as possible.
- Report the street name and if possible, the pole identification numbers, which are located on the pole.
- If the pole does not have an identification number, report the residential address the pole is closest to.
When traffic volumes increase beyond the capacity of an all-way stop, it may be necessary to install a traffic signal. Factors such as vehicle and pedestrian volumes, delays to side street motorists and pedestrians, and the collision history at an intersection are all compared to standardized Provincial warrant criteria to determine if a traffic signal should be installed.
Traffic signals guide drivers and pedestrians through intersections and along roads. They tell road users when to stop and go, when and how to turn and when to drive with extra caution.
A vehicle is detected in one of two ways:
1. Overhead detectors mounted above the roadway are aimed at the vehicle Stop line.
2. Loop detectors placed in the roadway produce a magnetic field. When a vehicle passes over the loop the metal of the vehicle changes the magnetic field.
When a vehicle is detected, a message is sent to the signal controller to change the light sequence. Detectors do not sense vehicle weight.
Some emergency vehicles are equipped with devices which pre-empt traffic signals. In that case, a green is given to the street on which the emergency vehicle is travelling. When that vehicle clears the intersection, the signals revert back to the signal controller. It may take two or three cycles to re-establish coordination.
Street Signs
The Ontario Traffic Manual is used to determine the size, shape, height, location and materials for all signs in Tillsonburg. Street signs provide important information to drivers and pedestrians.
- Stop locations
- Parking regulations
- Hazards and warnings
- Directional and wayfinding information
Please contact the Customer Service Centre at 519-688-3009 Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Roadway signs are placed and oriented as outlined in the Ontario Traffic Manual. This ensures that all signs in Ontario are the same colour, shape, height, and distance from the roadway edge.
It is a common misunderstanding that placing a stop sign will address a perceived speeding issue. Other traffic control measures, such as additional speed limit signs or traffic enforcement are more effective ways to control speed.
Private signs are prohibited on Town property or along any roadway.