The Editor:
Racing on Richmond Street in New Westminster's Fraserview area.
This road is a 30 km/h zone and the traffic is the same as it has been for many days now.
I last reported this by calling in on Nov. 15, and vehicles are still racing up and down the street. This includes big dump trucks pulling trailers, big rigs delivering to the local pub, cars, motor bikes, city vehicles, TransLink commuter buses, HandyDart, garbage trucks and service vehicles of all kinds.
On Nov. 15 and 16, there was some police presence, and it was calmer. Every day prior has been a race on this road.
It is dangerous for residents, walkers, seniors and families.
I have written to the city numerous times in the years prior since living in this area for 18 years to eventually have a crosswalk put in at a part of the road that is convenient for folks riding bus. This was to help with the speed of traffic.
What it has done is cause near accidents for the vehicles coming down Richmond from Cumberland when someone has been at that crosswalk, or when a bus is stopped.
Why? Because it’s not visible and, by the time it’s reached, traffic is already travelling well above the 30 km/h limit.
Cars coming off of side streets/laneways, or resident parking garages and street facing entries are at risk.
Residents parking on the street have been honked at for having their car doors open when trying to get in and out of their vehicles.
I personally have had a large truck play chicken with me when I was crossing on foot at Miner and Richmond.
Patrick Johnstone was of no help as a councillor to this appeal.
And since, I've given up with him as mayor. He has provided his pseudo engineering with no consult of residents or understanding of the safety matters on this road as a feeder route to other routes or when there are issues on the regularly used routes.
- C. Balanko, New Westminster
