It may not get local residents the results they had hoped for, but there was at least a sense of compromise with an amended motion asking Wellington County to review speed limits on Wellington Road 34.
On Nov. 6, Puslinch residents David Haley and Ted Laws, chairman of Mini Lakes Safety and Security Committee, made their pitch to council asking that the speed limit remain as it is.
Their presentation came about from an earlier Puslinch roads committee recommendation that the township request Wellington County to apply TAC (Transportation Association of Canada) standards on the speed limit on Wellington Road 34 from Victoria to Brock Road.
Haley thanked council for allowing residents of the area to express their views.
The concerns raised have been expressed by a substantial number of Wellington Road 34 residents, Haley said.
He added that council’s concerns with community safety were recently reflected in the creation of a community safety zone in Morriston.
“It is our goal, to make the community of Wellington Road 34 east, a safe living zone.”
Haley said, to the average commuters who live in one of the houses on the northeast corner of Victoria, the straight flat stretch of paved country road, makes for a quick shortcut to Highway 401 and destinations east, south and west. Few people are aware that this is a residential street and one of the densest residential areas in the township.
Haley said 344 homes are located in the area – with a projected additional 31 homes planned in 2014.
He stressed that six years ago safety concerns prompted a look at speed limits resulting in the 80km/h limit being reduced to 60km/h.
“For six years we have enjoyed the improved safety. Now we learn that this safety is threatened by an initiative of the township public works committee.”
The main concern is that this could result in speed limits being increased from 60km/h to 80km/h.
“We urge members of Puslinch council to demonstrate their concern for the safety of residents and motorists by refusing to endorse any recommended increase.”
One of the concerns expressed by both Haley and Laws is that the TAC guidelines do not take into account the volume of traffic from the entrances of the residential developments.
Haley said 344 homes are located in the two-kilometre stretch of Wellington Road 34 east.
Roughly 500 residents live in the region, and the majority are seniors.
He said that six years ago in a 10-hour span, 760 vehicles entered or exited the entrances to Mini Lakes or Mill Creek.
“When we went back to check … much to our surprise on Friday, Oct. 18, we conducted a 12-hour study, the total number of vehicles was 1,174.”
He noted many of the same traffic concerns still exist because of the nature of the road – and lack of turning lanes to the communities.
Laws then presented a petition signed by 351 residents.
“Many of the folks I talked to are very concerned … even with the road as it currently exists.”
Part of the concern, is that drivers frequently drive faster than the speed limit, and if the limit goes up, speeds would be even faster.
“We ask that you give consideration to this problem.”
Councillor Wayne Stokley shared similar concerns.
“It is a difficult area. I’m definitely not in favour of increasing the speed limits at all.”
Councillor Susan Fielding echoed those sentiments.
She said she favoured keeping the speed limit where it was “regardless of TAC recommendations.”
Fielding was on council when the speed limits were lowered “… and I haven’t changed my mind.”
She added many people may not realize how densely populated the area is.
Mayor Dennis Lever agreed thar one of the issues is that the developments are hidden from the road.
He admitted that even he had not realized how big the community was until he was on his election campaign.
Lever explained he also lives on Wellington Road 36, west of the Hanlon Expressway, noting there is considerable traffic on the road.
While there are more driveways, Lever said the volume of people coming and going is not the same.
Lever said one flaw with the TAC software is that it does not take the volume of traffic from driveways into consideration.
“The issue we have here is that this is a county road.”
And, he said, the county has adopted a policy that software would be used when speed limit reviews are requested.
Lever added that in most circumstances “the software does work.”
Stokley was adamant that council not proceed with the request and asked that a recorded vote be taken on the issue.
Councillor Ken Roth realized this was a sensitive issue and that he appreciated resident concerns.
But, he added this is a difficult road to do 60km/h.
“I’ve seen police cruisers doing 80km/h. In some cases, I think the 60km/h has created more problems than it has stopped.”
Fielding continued her support of the lower limit.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt said he had mixed emotions.
He suggested the TAC approach was a justifiable means of getting away from the emotion of the issue.
The mayor offered a friendly amendment to re-evaluate the speed limits using the TAC guidelines – but also that no action would be taken unless it could be assured that safety would not be negatively impacted.
“It’s not just the speed we are talking about here.”
He explained that six years ago, the altered speed limit was only one of a number of recommendations.
Lever continued to be concerned that the TAC guidelines do not take the volume of traffic into account.
He said that if rural subdivisions were still allowed, the developer would have to address the potential safety issues.
But because of the way these areas were developed it is not optimal.
“If the real issue is the way traffic comes in and out there should be acceleration and deceleration lanes and a left hand turn lane.”
He added “if we do nothing and someone makes a request tomorrow – we’ve been bypassed. This way we’ve put the county on notice that we don’t want them to take any action until we are assured safety is not negatively impacted.”
Council passed the amended resolution with Schmidt, Roth and Lever in favour and Stokley and Fielding opposed.
