Steeper fines for Toronto drivers blocking intersections [Video]

Toronto drivers caught blocking intersections across the city will now face significantly steeper fines, Mayor Olivia Chow announced Monday.

At a news conference near King Street and University Avenue, Chow and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie confirmed that the province approved a request to up the fines for this infraction, which Chow said “infuriates” other motorists.

“These drivers that blindly rush out into the middle of the intersection, even when they didn’t have room in front of them to get through… the light changes and everyone is stuck,” she said.

“The entire intersection, all of the traffic comes to a complete standstill… Well guess what? You are going to pay for bad behaviour.”

Drivers will now be charged $450 for blocking the intersections, up from just $85. In community safety zones, the penalty will be increased from $120 to $500.

The request to increase the fines was made by the city …