York Region Upgrades to Digital "No Right Turn on Red" Signs — Pedestrian-Activated System Coming to Markham This Summer

York Region is rolling out an innovative traffic safety upgrade — replacing traditional static "No Right Turn on Red" signs with digital electronic warning signs. The key feature of the new system: the digital sign only illuminates when a pedestrian presses the crosswalk button. Without pedestrians, drivers can turn right on red as normal. This technology improves pedestrian safety while avoiding the unnecessary traffic congestion caused by traditional all-day restrictions.

Successful Pilot Program

In 2025, York Region conducted a six-month pilot with digital no-right-turn-on-red signs at two locations: Islington Avenue and Langstaff Road in Vaughan and Kennedy Road and Carlton Road in Markham. The results showed significantly higher compliance rates compared to static signs, as drivers found the illuminated warnings more intuitive — "light on = people crossing."

Summer 2026: 8 Markham Intersections Upgraded

According to York Region's May 2026 announcement, the Region will replace over 50 static signs with digital ones over the coming years. This summer, 8 intersections in Markham are the first to receive the upgrade:

📍 Heads up: The 16th Avenue and Main Street Markham (Markham Road) intersection previously had a time-of-day restriction (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), but will now switch to the pedestrian-activated mode. Drivers should watch for the new digital signs.

Why This Matters

York Region traffic data shows that right-turning vehicles are a major factor in pedestrian collisions:

• Right-turning vehicles account for approximately 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions
• Over 90% of pedestrian collisions and 85% of cyclist collisions in York Region result in injury or death
• More than 70% of incidents occur at signalized intersections

Traditional all-day restrictions improve safety but add unnecessary wait times — even when no pedestrians are crossing, drivers must wait for the green light. The new system achieves the balance between safety and efficiency.

Additional Road Safety Measures

During Canada's Road Safety Week (May 12-18, 2026), York Region also launched:

• Richmond Hill: New speed feedback board on Bayview Avenue at Crosby Avenue (near Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy)
• 14th Avenue and 11th Concession: Converted to an All-Way Stop
• Continuing the Vision Zero plan, targeting a 10% reduction in severe collisions within 5 years

Drivers Should Note

In Ontario, drivers may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop and ensuring it is safe, unless signs indicate otherwise. With the new digital system:

• ⚠️ Digital sign illuminated = absolutely no right turn — ticket is $110 and 3 demerit points
• ✅ Digital sign off and safe = right turn permitted
• 🚶 When a pedestrian presses the button, the sign activates immediately — do not attempt to speed through

Looking Ahead

York Region plans to upgrade more than 50 intersections to the digital system over the coming years, with expansion to Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Newmarket and other municipalities near high-traffic pedestrian areas and school zones.

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Sources: York Region Official Website (york.ca), Canada Road Safety Week 2026 Announcement, York Region Traffic Safety Program