Jami Sanftleben, Paralegal
SHORTCUTS – What You Need To Know Now
Oak Ridges
The community of Oak Ridges is largely unknown to most Ontarians, probably because it is an unincorporated community nestled within the municipality of Richmond Hill.
Oak Ridges is so named because it sits on a part the Oak Ridges Moraine – an ecologically important and sensitive landform that stretches across part of south-central Ontario. Part of the Oak Ridges Moraine trail system is in this community.
The natural beauty of Oak Ridges attracts people from all over. Many embark on its nature trails and observe the beauty that was formed by the movement of glaciers 12,000 years ago.
Does the Attraction of Oak Ridges Influence Traffic?
Although burrowed within Richmond Hill, Oak Ridges still has a sizeable population. According to the 2016 census, its population consists of about 38,140 people. Although the population of Oaks Ridges is relatively small, because it is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the influx of visitors to this natural attraction may have an impact on the volume of traffic in the area.
In an article posted on “Our Richmond Hill” in 2018 titled Traffic, Traffic And More Traffic the traffic issue in Richmond Hill was mentioned.1 The factors stated consisted of “population growth, density, and bypass traffic through Richmond Hill from surrounding municipalities.” Other factors were considered as potential influencers, but the issues mentioned above were highlighted.
Also, with the convenience a car affords, the likelihood of individuals travelling further distances is greater.2 Travelling to places such as Oak Ridges Moraine and other attractive spots in Richmond Hill from other communities in the municipality and from other cities, becomes more likely. Hence, the allure of Oak Ridges could be a contributing factor to traffic. However, it is not the sole reason. Other factors play much more significant roles.
How Is Traffic Controlled in Oak Ridges/Richmond Hill?
Similar to what is being done in other communities in the York Region, various measures are being implemented to curtail traffic. Whether it is installing new traffic lights at problematic intersections, or the employment of community-driven programs, efforts are being made. In addition to having police patrolling traffic, citizens are encouraged to report aggressive driving behaviours. Such measures are meant to improve traffic flow and reduce the possibility of collisions.
Footnotes
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- “Our Richmond Hill – Traffic, Traffic and More … – Ourhill.ca.” Our Hill. Accessed November 2, 2021. https://ourhill.ca/news/6692478.
- Downs, Anthony. “Traffic: Why It’s Getting Worse, What Government Can Do.” Brookings. Brookings, July 3, 2018. https://www.brookings.edu/research/traffic-why-its-getting-worse-what-government-can-do/.
Aitken Robertson Can Defend Against Traffic Violations in Oak Ridges
In Oak Ridges, and other surrounding areas, traffic offences are relatively common. If you have received a traffic ticket in Oak Ridges, legal support is available. Paralegals at the law office of Aitken Robertson can help you to fight the charges.TM
Stunt Driving
As elsewhere, in Oak Ridges stunt driving commonly refers to driving 50km/h over the posted speed limit. However, it can also include various other stunts such as performing doughnuts, wheelies, chasing another vehicle, and other dangerous driving behaviours. The penalties for stunt driving may include vehicle impoundment, fines, and jail time.
Speeding + Minor Infractions
As discussed in this article, speeding is one of the most common traffic offences. As elsewhere, speeding in Oak Ridges is the act of driving a vehicle over the posted speed limit.
Minor infractions include failing to stop at a stop sign, improper lane changes, running a red light, and driving without a seatbelt. The consequences related to these offences may include fines, and other penalties such as licence suspensions, depending on the amount of points already existing on the licence, and what type of licence it is. For example, convictions of running a red light and then not wearing a seatbelt a month apart will get a G2 driver suspended for 30 days.
Careless Driving
As in the rest of Ontario, careless driving in Oak Ridges is the act of operating a vehicle “without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway” (Highway Traffic Act).
The consequences of careless driving may include fines, licence suspension for up to two years, and imprisonment.
Driving with a Hand-Held Device
As elsewhere, in Oak Ridges driving with a hand-held communication or entertainment device is a form of distracted driving. It includes acts such as using a mobile phone, tablet, or any other device while operating a vehicle. Driving with a hand-held device is a traffic violation because using a technological device while driving is hazardous.
Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance in Oak Ridges and nearby towns is a common traffic violation. The consequences of failing to provide proof of valid automobile insurance upon request may include licence suspension, and fines.
Driving with a Suspended Licence
The penalties for this offence may include high fines and additional driver’s licence suspensions. Drivers caught driving with suspended licences may in some circumstances also be charged with the criminal offence of Operation While Prohibited (sometimes referred to as Driving While Disqualified).
NO SURPRISE Fee Quote Guarantee
We understand that when you face a traffic charge or another provincial offence, it is a time of great uncertainty. You face options, important decisions, and possible real changes in your life. At Aitken Robertson we are proud to offer you something that you can count on; our NO SURPRISE fixed quote guarantee. We have been doing this a long time, and know what goes into an effective defence at each stage of the process. We don’t bill by the hour or for travel, which makes the overall cost very predictable and ensures cost-certainty for you. So count on this—if we quote you a price, you will not pay more!
Convictions and Insurance
Traffic convictions can have a very negative effect on your insurance premiums, and even your ability to remain insured. Insurance companies are free to set their own policies on such things, but most of them use a scale that increases the premium multiplier with the severity of the conviction. This scale rates convictions as: “minor,” ”major,” and “serious.” Some minor convictions will have a little to no effect on your insurance, while the major and serious convictions will have a large effect for sure.
All types of convictions will be considered by your insurer for several years, so a minor conviction now and a minor conviction later may cause a pain in your pocket. Although other factors must be considered, at Aitken Robertson we will listen to you and take your goals into account when planning your defence. And then when we break it down, we might find that you may not be in as much trouble as you think!
Demerit Points
When speaking to many valued clients, we have come to realize that some have a misconception about demerit points and their effect on insurance and the ability to drive. Insurance companies don’t really look at demerit points when they funnel you into either the mutual or the high-risk market (i.e. low-cost vs. high-cost market). It is the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) that cares very much about demerit points, and if you accumulate too many in a given period, you could end up getting your licence suspended. Some violations come with zero demerit points, and some come with as many as seven. Also, your level of licence (G or G2 for example) will dictate how many demerit points you can accumulate before entering the danger zone in which your licence is at risk.
Call us today to learn more about the difference between minor, major, and serious convictions, as well as the effect of demerit points on your ability to drive.
How Do I Fight a Traffic Ticket in Oak Ridges?
Receiving a traffic ticket is a common occurrence. Many drivers can attest to getting one at some point. However, whether it is your first traffic ticket or whether you have received one in the past, the law office of Aitken Robertson can help.
Our legal professionals are committed to helping you fight the chargesTM. We offer free consultations to discuss your case with you and explain your options.
We are dedicated legal experts who work hard to get you the best shot at winning your trial. Leading up to your court date, we take the time to gather all pertinent details and relevant evidence about your case. Having this information enables us to build a strong argument on your behalf.
Are you looking to fight a traffic ticket in Oak Ridges? Call our office to schedule a free consultation.
Court Information for Traffic Violations in Oak Ridges
Court Information for Traffic Violations in Oak RidgesIf you receive a traffic ticket in Oak Ridges, you may be required to attend one of these two courthouses. Your case may be heard at 50 High Tech Rd. in Richmond Hill or 17150 Yonge St. in Newmarket.
The hours of operation at each courthouse are slightly different. Richmond Hill’s court hours are from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. In Newmarket, the court hours are from 8:30 am – 4 pm.
Due to COVID-19, appointments must be booked online or by telephone for all court services, including requesting a trial. To book an appointment, see more information here. Your trial may be held online. Once booked, further information will be provided verifying the details of your trial.
Parking
If you choose to drive to any of these courthouses, there are parking spaces on site. There are also offsite parking spaces available should the on-site spaces fill up quickly.
For the Richmond Hill location specifically, the following parking options are available:
Food
If you are at one of these courthouses for a long time, there are local eats you can check out. Here are some food places to try which are close to the Richmond Hill courthouse:
- Bhai’s Indian Canteen, serving vegetarian Indian food, along with some Chinese dishes
- Thai Basil, offering Thai food such as Thai basil chicken, papaya salad, and garlic prawns
- Aneal’s Taste of the Islands, patties, jerk chicken, curry chicken roti and many other island dishes
In Newmarket, these restaurants are a must-try within the area:
- Little Brothers, serving comfort foods such as pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken, and sweets
- Dana Kabob, a Persian restaurant serving foods such as koobideh kabob, and soltani kabob
- Punters Café & Sandwiches Inc., serving various foods and coffee every time of the day
