Minto is considering a three-way stop at the intersection of Queen Street South and Walker Street – a T intersection in Palmerston.
Public Services Director Norm Fisk made the recommendation in a report to council. He stated vehicles coming into Palmerston on Queen Street “do not always slow down to the posted 50km/hour speed limit at the town limit.”
Further, vehicles coming into town through that route from North Perth crest the hill and maintain a speed higher than posted. “They don’t slow down until they get to the four-way stop at the county road.”
Fisk said homeowners in the area have submitted a petition asking for a three-way stop. He said there are kids who live in the area, and there are no sidewalks on that stretch of road.
“It’s a safety issue, and I do recommend the three-way stop to see if it helps.”
He said some people do not stop for stop signs, but if that happens, the OPP would have to be brought in.
Purchasing and installing the signs would cost about $300. The operating budget allows for new signs of this type.
He did, however, caution councillors that there may be issues with noise generated from trucks stopping and starting.
But, Fisk added that while homeowners may have concerns with the noise, “council must be concerned with the safety of area residents.”
Councillor Ron Faulkner asked why not place the stop sign at the intersection leading into the arena.
Mayor George Bridge said there is a lot of traffic where the signs are being proposed.
Faulkner did not dispute that. “I just question whether it is the right intersection for this.”
Fisk suggested the idea is to get people to slow down sooner.
Councillor Mary Lou Colwell said the cost is minimal. “We do have residents asking for this, so it would be a nice thing to do.”
Deputy-mayor Terry Fisk asked if the issue warrants a review the municipality’s sidewalk policy.
Councillor Rick Hembley said that typically the original homeowner covers the cost to install the sidewalk fronting the road, and the municipality maintains it.
Council agreed part of the issue could be considered later on.
It subsequently agreed to the recommendation to create the three-way stop.
