Rees To D'Aoust(Speed Signs)

From: Mark Rees
To: Pierre D'Aoust

Subject: Posting of Additional Speed Limit Signs On Oxton Avenue

Hi Pierre:

Thank you for forwarding Dan's note. Your note is timely because I was just about to check the official meaning of yellow speed signs verse black/white speed signs.

A couple of points and questions...

1. If the Oxton speed limit is 50kms this then supports the neighbourhood view that vehicle speeds on Oxton are higher. This contention is based on human nature and supported by the Police that if it’s a 50kms driver limit, drivers will go 60kms and perhaps beyond as we also contend.

2. At these speeds it seems obvious to me that without logical, pedestrian crossing points pedestrians are forced to cross Oxton without the benefit of even the most rudimentary crossing protection as they head on the "natural" path to the subway (the crosswalk being poorly located).

3. The request was to add additional speed signage so as to provide more guidance to drivers as to the speed limit. Is it correct to assume that Transportation Services really are unwilling even to agree to this one particular minimal neighbourhood request?

4. 20kms signs. I'm sorry Pierre, but the reality is that Transportation Services might as well take them down and put "GO FOR IT" up on the pole. This would make as much sense as continuing to post "Pedestrians Wait For Gap" signs as both are totally ineffectual (I know they have to put up such speed signs).

5. Are drivers really going to slow down from 50km-60km and go 20km-30kms. The resident of 130 Oriole wouldn't get any sleep with all the honking. This is a speed sign that is blatantly ignored to the detriment of pedestrians! This goes back to point 1 & 2. Pedestrians need protection from cars travelling in excesses of the speed limit.

6. I have no doubt that the 2okm and 30km speed limit signs are within specifications. I now even understand the reason for their location. Again I refer back to the above points.

7. Is a highway (11A) really a good idea through a residential neighbourhood? Traffic has increased such that we content this needs to be questioned. Few things are carved in stone, why should this decision be so? Is Dan inferring here that we need to take the issue to the province as well?

8. Is the goal to keep cars on Highway 11A safe from pedestrians? One wonders (I'll have to read the City's own Pedestrian Charter again)?

We haven't seen Transportation Services report so I don't wish to pre-judge their final conclusions, but, I look forward to raising these and other issues with Mr. Walker, Transportation Services and yourself when I present the final petition results.

Thank you again for keeping me in the loop. Until our meeting I will in the interim continue to work on advancing the issue of pedestrian safety on Oxton at behest of my petition signitors.

Regards, mark

(Pierre D'Aoust is the Consituency Assistant to Councilman Michael Walker)