Traffic

The Town of Essex maintains a system of urban and rural roads, many of them connecting with County and Provincial highways.

Speed limits

The speed limit within the urban areas of Essex is 50 kilometres per hour, unless otherwise posted.

The speed limit on rural roads is 80 kilometres per hour, unless otherwise posted.

Speed Limit Establishment Policy

In 2020, the Town of Essex implemented a policy by which citizens may request a review of a speed limit for a roadway on which they reside. Resident requests for a Speed Limit Review requires support from at least 65% of the residents residing on that section of road, as determined by a local petition. Read the full Speed Limit Review Policy and download the Petition Form online.

Community safety zones

A Community Safety Zone is a section of road or an intersection where public safety is of special concern. Traffic fines are higher within Community Safety Zones.

Traffic signs identifying Community Safety Zones are posted at the start and throughout the zone.

Speed limits near primary schools in the Town of Essex are reduced to 40 kilometres per hour to help protect our children. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and observe higher volumes of pedestrian traffic within a school zone.

Crossing Guards

Crossing Guard services are provided by the Town of Essex and are administered through the Clerk’s Office. To learn more, view our Crossing Guards page.

Pedestrian Crossovers (PXO)

Stay Safe at Pedestrian Crossovers! The Town of Essex has Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) at key locations in both Essex Centre and Harrow. For Everyone's Safety, please take a moment to learn the rules for both drivers and pedestrians:

Rules for Drivers and Cyclists:

• Watch for pedestrians who may be crossing. Pedestrians have the right-of-way! Drivers and cyclists must yield to pedestrians at the PXO.
• Stop behind marked yield line when you see a pedestrian
• Make eye contact with the pedestrian
• Drive with caution when the road is completely clear
• Do not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres of a PXO

Rules for Pedestrians:

• Make sure motorist or cyclist has enough time to stop
• Indicate to road users that you want to cross
• Press the push button at the PXO to activate the lights
• Make eye contact with road users on both sides of the road
• Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop and you feel safe
• Cyclists using PXO must dismount and cross the road as a pedestrian

By following these rules, we can all ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone! Stay alert, be courteous, and share the road.