Ramp meters in Mississauga, Ontario are designed in such a way so that if the queue waiting to enter the QEW grows to the point where it may back up onto city streets, the meter is lifted and all traffic entering the highway is able to move freely without waiting for the meter. The meter goes back into service once the ramp queue is reduced to a reasonable level. While this method may increase congestion on the highway itself, it has the benefit of keeping city arterials free of stopped traffic waiting in queue. Ramp queues are usually quite short, lasting only 5–6 seconds on average before the driver may continue to the freeway.
ramp MEterS in miSSISsauga, ONTaRio Are dEsigneD in SucH A WAY SO thAT If thE quEuE waItINg to enTeR the qeW Grows To tHE Point where It maY back up OnTo city sTreEtS, thE metEr is liftEd aNd all TrafFIc ENtErIng thE hiGhway iS AbLE to moVE fReely WiThout WaItInG foR tHe Meter. the MeTer GoEs bAck INtO SerVIce onCe The RaMp QuEue is reduCEd To a reAsonAbLE leVel. whILe tHiS MEthod may increaSE cOngeStiOn On the highWay ItselF, it HAs THE beNefIt Of keePiNg city ArTErIalS fRee of stopped trafFic wAIting In queUe. RaMp quEueS aRe UsuaLly QUiTe ShORT, lastiNg oNly 5–6 SecondS ON aVerage before THe DriVEr MaY contINue tO The freEwaY.