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By battlefordsNOW Staff

slow down

Speed controlling devices being considered in North Battleford following increase in violations

Aug 18, 2023 | 3:01 PM

Community Safety Officers (CSOs) in North Battleford clocked a vehicle on Railway Ave. Monday night driving 144 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The vehicle was impounded for seven days, and the driver was issued a $1,291 fine.

Director of Protective Services for the City and Fire Chief Lindsay Holm said his officers are clocking excessive speeds far too often and more motorists are compromising public safety by street racing or generally operating vehicles in an unsafe manner.

“We have seen a few [speeds] that are just absolutely ridiculous on the high end of things and doing 144 kilometres per hour in a 50 zone is a significant risk to public safety.”

The city collects data from traffic count monitors that also give indications of speeds on roadways. Holm said they’ve been using the information to help them determine proactive measures like the one conducted earlier this week when CSOs stepped up enforcement for traffic safety violations in preparation for an influx of visitors for Territorial Days.

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“We’re trying to educate the public to keep their speeds down, so the roads maintain a good level of safety for our vehicular traffic, visitors to our city, and pedestrians as well,” Holm said.

So far this year, officers have issued about 360 Traffic Safety Act tickets and given about 500 warnings.

“We’re not out trying to generate revenue for the city,” said Holm. “We’re trying to get people educated as well.”

Holm said considerations are now being given to speed deterrents and traffic calming designs.

“We’ve had conversations about trying to see which speed-controlling devices would be appropriate and would work. There is a lot that would go into that and it’s something our administration is looking at. It would be done through our operations department within the city.”

Holm added anything put in place in terms of speed-deterring devices would have to be studied to make sure it has lasting effects and is also cost-effective. In the meantime, he advised motorists to reduce their speed and pay attention when driving.

“You can’t get a ticket if you’re not speeding,” Holm said. “So, make sure you’re paying attention, and that way we can try and keep our community a little safer as well.”

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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