Tips for Navigating County Roads
What’s on this page?
Overview
In Lennox & Addington, navigating county roads is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It's about safe and informed travel. Ensure you have all the knowledge you need for a smooth journey in any season.
Handling Winter Weather
Parking Regulations
Winter parking restrictions take effect annually on December 1 and continue during the winter months until March 31. No parking is permitted on any County roads between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. in accordance with County By-law, regardless of weather conditions.
Vehicles parked on County roads present a safety hazard and interfere with snow clearing operations. Vehicles in violation of the by-law can be ticketed by the affiliated municipality by-law. Any vehicle that is interfering with snow removal activities could result in being towed at the owner’s expense, as stated in the Highway Traffic Act.
Snow Plow Safety
- Be patient and keep a safe distance behind working snow ploughs. Snow ploughs often travel at a reduced speed because they are removing snow, spreading salt or sand and applying liquid anti-ice to roadways.
- Never pass a snow plough. Snow ploughs are wider than the average vehicle with large blades that extend a metre or more ahead and into the neighbouring lane. Passing a snow plough could result in severe and fatal collisions.
- Don’t drive beside a snow plough. Snow ploughs sometimes shift sideways when they are ploughing packed snow or snow drifts which could put you at risk for a collision.
- Beware of reduced visibility. Even at reduced ploughing speeds, a light powdery snow forms a cloud in the wake of a snow plough that severely restricts a driver’s visibility. This makes passing extremely dangerous.
- Move aside. Snow ploughs often drive along the centre line of a roadway to remove snow. If you are approaching a snow plough from the opposite direction, shift to the right of your lane, if conditions permit, to ensure there is enough space for the plough to pass you safely.
- Watch for snow ploughs on sunny days. Snow ploughs and removal equipment are out for several hours and even days after a storm clearing shoulders and cutting back snow banks. Please be aware of ploughs even on clear days.
- Teach children to play away from the road. The driver of a snow plough may not be able to see a child playing in the snow.
- Children should never build snow forts or tunnels along the roadway. Snow forts and tunnels may collapse or be pushed down by snow ploughs or removal equipment.
- Pedestrians should ensure they are visible. Pedestrians should move back from the road if they see or hear a snow plough approaching.
Remember snow ploughs are on the road to help you! Give them space to keep everyone safe.
Roundabout Education
As you approach the roundabout, look for signage to choose your exit. Choose which lane to use as you would for any other intersection. Use the left lane to turn left or to go straight. Use the right lane to turn right or to go straight. Do not enter a roundabout from the right lane if you want to turn left. Cyclists generally keep to the centre of the appropriate lane, or dismount and use the roundabout as a pedestrian would.
Slow down and watch for pedestrians on the approach to the yield line at the entrance of the roundabout. Stay in your lane.
Visual checks: Do visual checks of all vehicles already in the roundabout and those waiting to enter (including cyclists).
Look left: Traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way. When preparing to enter the roundabout, pay special attention to the vehicles to your left. Adjust your speed or stop at the yield sign if necessary.
Adequate gap: Watch for a safe opportunity to enter the roundabout. Enter when there is an adequate gap in the circulating traffic flow. Don’t enter directly beside another already in the roundabout, as that may be exiting at the next exit.
Travel counter-clockwise: Once in the roundabout, always keep to the right of the central island and travel in a counter-clockwise direction.
Keep moving: Once you are in the roundabout, do not stop except to avoid a collision; you have the right-of-way over entering traffic. Do not change lanes while in the roundabout. If in the inside lane and you miss your exit, you must continue around until you meet your exit again.
When exiting, signal: Be sure to signal your exit and watch for pedestrians.
Maintain your lane: Stay to the left if you entered from the left lane, or stay to the right if you entered from the right lane.
Maintain your position: Maintain your position relative to other vehicles.
Signal intent to exit: Once you have passed the exit before the one you want, use your right-turn signal.
Left lane exit: If exiting from the left lane, watch out for vehicles on the right that continue to circulate around the roundabout.
Explore more on how to use a roundabout.
Pedestrian Crossover at Southview Public School
The Pedestrian Crossover is located just north of Southview Public School on County Road 8 at James Street (by the entrance to the Napanee Golf & Country Club). At this Pedestrian Crossover, drivers and cyclists are required by law to stop for pedestrians and wait until they have completely crossed the road before they can proceed. This is different than at a typical intersection where drivers may proceed once a pedestrian has crossed halfway across the road.
Pedestrian Crossovers are relatively new to Ontario roadways. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians may not have encountered them before in their travels. Their design typically contains the following key elements: Pedestrian Signs, Pavement Markings and Rapid Flashing Beacons. The pavement markings include pedestrian crossing stripes and a row of triangular (shark teeth) markings indicating the Yield to Pedestrians Line. The signs are equipped with yellow rapid flashing beacons that are activated by a pedestrian pushbutton.
Pedestrians are required to press the button to activate the yellow flashing beacons and ensure that vehicles have come to a stop before crossing the roadway. When the driver is stopped, pedestrians should make eye contact with the driver before they begin to cross the road. Drivers and cyclists must stop and yield the whole roadway to pedestrians at pedestrian crossovers and need to watch closely for children in the vicinity.
The penalty for not stopping or not yielding the whole roadway to pedestrians at pedestrian crossovers is a fine that ranges from $300 to $1,000 and drivers may also face four demerit points upon conviction.
More information can be found by visiting the The Ministry of Transportation website.
Cycling Routes
Lennox & Addington County boasts an extensive network of scenic cycling routes, offering residents and visitors a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the region. It is essential to recognize the importance of sharing the road with cyclists, ensuring their safety and enjoyment while promoting a harmonious coexistence between motorists and cyclists. By respecting cycling lanes, giving cyclists ample space, and practicing patience, we can create a safer and more inclusive road environment for all road users, enhancing our community’s overall transportation experience. We invite you to explore cycling routes in Lennox and Addington.
Speed Concerns
- Speed concerns provided by the public will assist with assessing the needs for speed management on County roads by analyzing the data collected.
- Please note the following before proceeding with logging your speed concern:
- The County of Lennox and Addington cannot resolve speed issues with specific vehicles or drivers.
- Providing a concern through the online form in no way provides direction of enforcement or action of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
- Please note the following before proceeding with logging your speed concern:
- For a speed concern on a local municipal road, please contact the affiliated municipality.
- For a speed concern on Provincial Highways, please contact the OPP.
- For emergencies, contact the OPP by calling 911.
