KAWARTHA LAKES-Have you ever thought about how much time you spend waiting in your car? The average Ontarian is in traffic for the equivalent of 59 working days per year. All of this time that people are sitting behind the wheel is not only is a drain on productivity, it is a significant source of emissions.
Environmental groups have long lobbied to reduce the amount of time that vehicles spend on the road. Commute times can be reduced by keeping vehicles moving. Advocates explain that where the speed limit is 50 km/h, motorists will try to accelerate to drive the speed limit after a stop sign, perhaps only to briefly attain that speed before having to stop at the next intersection. Roundabouts are often touted as having the benefit of keeping traffic flowing, relieving the need for stop and go driving.
“The issue with roundabouts is that they take up much more space, and are expensive or impractical to retrofit, especially in urban areas,” explains spokesperson Joe King. “Though roundabouts may be able to achieve some improvements in traffic flow in the longer term, we need to look at solutions that can be implemented now. For years we have emphasized stopping at intersections, but the time has come to focus on keeping traffic moving. We propose to replace all ‘STOP’ signs with ‘GO’ signs to encourage traffic to keep moving as much as practical. This is a proposal that is empowering, it encourages people to do what they can.”
Reactions to the plan have been mixed. “I think it will be great,” says Hugh Morris. “I’ll be able to get to work twice as fast!” Long time councillor Kent C. Strait counters, “This has to be the craziest proposal I have ever heard! I can’t believe they would do this!”
A survey of local residents produced the following responses: “You can’t be serious!”; “It’s about time, I don’t stop for them anyway”; “Are you high?”; “Really? We get to stunt drive at every intersection?!”
With a contentious proposal like this, there is clearly much to be considered. Do you think this concept should go ahead? Make sure you have your say at [email protected] … Just don’t expect an answer any time soon…
Happy April Fool’s Day!
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
