Durham Region Announces Positive Offset Left Turns for Intersection Safety
Durham Region announced on May 26, 2025, that it is introducing Positive Offset Left Turns (POLTs) at local intersections. According to the Region, POLTs shift left-turn lanes farther to the left, allowing drivers making left turns a clearer view of oncoming traffic.
According to the announcement, collisions related to turning movements are the most common type of collision at intersections in Durham Region, accounting for about one-third of all fatal and injury collisions at intersections. The Region reports that providing a clearer view of oncoming traffic for left-turning drivers is intended to make it easier to judge safe gaps and may reduce the risk of collisions.
The new left-turn configuration is part of the Durham Vision Zero Strategic Road Safety Action Plan, as stated in the announcement. The announcement did not specify which intersections will receive POLTs or provide a timeline for implementation. For more information on this road safety measure, residents can refer to the Region's official website.