When a new utility pole is plunked down in front of a pedestrian crossing signal, people and drivers who rely on it are left in the dark.

Ask any driver about the value of a countdown signal for pedestrians and they’ll tell you that it’s a good way to judge how much time they have to safely get through the intersection.

Some people insist that they’re strictly meant for pedestrians, but drivers know they’re no less useful in assessing how long before the light turns red.

So when something pops up that prevents both pedestrians and drivers from getting a good look at the countdown signal, everyone is the poorer for it.

Piero Bellina emailed to say a utility pole was recently erected in front of an existing pole, at the northwest corner of Brown’s Line and Horner Avenue, where it is perfectly positioned to block the countdown signal.

“The problem is the new pole has completely obfuscated the south-facing pedestrian signal light on an adjacent hydro pole,” said Bellina.

“I mean, to see it, one either laughs or shakes one’s head. I would argue that this is a matter of safety.”

I went there and found that the countdown signal for pedestrians walking north to cross Horner on the west side of Brown’s Line was totally obscured by the new pole.

Also on the northwest corner, the steel pole on which the button to activate the audible countdown signal is mounted had been flattened by a vehicle that apparently mounted the curb.

While crossing towards the hidden signal, I asked a couple walking next to me if they could see it.

“See what?” asked the man.

Exactly.

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It’s unlikely that the new pole is going away – and not the old one, at least not any time soon – so the obvious solution is to move the countdown signal to the new pole, and the sooner the better.

STATUS: Eric Holmes, a spokesperson for transportation services, emailed to say “city staff have investigated the location and are planning immediate action by scheduling work to relocate the existing traffic equipment to the newly installed pole. Staff will also contact the utility company (Toronto Hydro) to remind them that pole installations should be coordinated with the city so that public safety can be prioritized. Residents can help the city identify safety hazards and get them fixed or corrected by calling 311. Issues related to unsafe or malfunctioning traffic signals are immediately scheduled for repair.”