City Council Mandates Side Guards on Trucks

Toronto city council voted Wednesday to require side guards on all heavy-duty commercial trucks that operate under city contracts—a move designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists from being pulled under truck wheels.

The mandate takes effect May 2027 and is expected to affect roughly 1,200 commercial vehicles involved in winter maintenance, snow clearing, road repair, public works, and urban forestry. City staff say the May 2027 deadline gives suppliers and city divisions enough time to comply.

The decision reflects Toronto's Vision Zero road safety plan and comes after the city voted last December to install side guards on its own fleet of heavy-duty vehicles by end of 2026—work already underway ahead of schedule. Side guards are physical barriers that prevent people from being sucked under rear wheels, a horrific scenario that has killed numerous Toronto cyclists and pedestrians.

Counsil members spoke passionately about the human cost. Councillor Alejandra Bravo, representing Davenport, referenced two young women killed by large trucks in her ward. "I think we have an opportunity here to make a real life and death difference," she said. Councillor Dianne Saxe urged council to go further and mandate side guards on all trucks operating in the city, not just those under contract.

Jess Spieker, chair of Friends and Families for Safe Streets, called the decision a crucial step but also pushed for broader action. The fight to make Toronto's streets safer for vulnerable road users continues, but this vote marks tangible progress.