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Re: 'Reader questions city's parking policy at East General Hospital,' Letters, Sept. 19.

Over the past year, residents living near Toronto East General Hospital identified traffic and parking problems that cause congestion and affect pedestrian safety in the area including taxis parking illegally on Coxwell Avenue and around the corner on Sammon Avenue.

I met with community members, hospital staff, the TEGH neighbourhood advisory committee and the city's traffic engineers to find solutions to these problems. We decided to increase the taxi stand from four to six spaces, legalizing two more spaces. This option recognized hospital patients' need for taxi service, yet maintained adequate safety standards for the intersection.

As well, we recommended parking prohibitions on Sammon Avenue. These bylaw changes will improve traffic flow and increase fines for taxis and other vehicles that block the traffic or visibility around the hospital. Consistent enforcement will be an important part of making these changes effective.

Working together to find local solutions is the best way to affect change and build safer neighbourhoods.

Ward 31 (Beaches-East York) Councillor Janet Davis