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1)raft speeri limit policy to be put before public input. New policy cornes in response to limits c.ould increase to up io 80 numerous cornmunily requests to review speed limits on local roads By IRENE GENTLE The Champion The Town is hurtling toward a policy governing speed limits on local roads. A draft speed limit policy was reeeived at the December 18 town counicil meeting without comment. It'îl be circulated for public input hefore returning in its final form for counicil approval. 'Me policy cornes at the heels of numerous community requests to review speed limits on local roads. And with growth poised to blos- som on the fringes of the urban area, speed issues willl likely arise with even greater frequency than in the past. Cue from Region The draft policy takes uts eue from a Regional road study, which assignis speeds in accordance to the road function. By ibis measure, arteriat roads, which are known for high traffie volumes, are generally assigned higher speeds. And though residents often assume lower posted speed limits wîlt inerease road safety, studies tind ihat drivers are prone to iake their specd eues from the road itself. A straight road with a clear view, for example, will naturally inspire a higher speed than a winding road with timited sightlines. Design could be key That means the design of roads eould be more effective in control- ting speed than lower posted limita, the report states. And drastically lowering speed limita will just tum ordinarily law- abiding drivers into lawbreakers, putting an undue burden on both the driver and police, according to the draft report. Tise draft policy reeommends setting arterial roads at 60 to 70 km and collector roads at 50 or 60 km in urban areas. In rural areas, collector roada But that could be towered if physical constraints like sightlines and his dictate an casier pace. A higher than average accident history and a nearby envlronment such as a school could atso lower the posted speed, the report states. Various factors lIs setting speeds, staff could look at what rate drivers are already traveling. Setting a limit far above or below the speed 85 per cent of drivers are naturally driving is unlikely to achieve compliance without signif- icant changes to the road design, according to the draft report. Lots of options But in cases where travel speed is significantly higher than that posted, town counicil can decide to encourage compliance through stepped-up police enforcement or speed-calming road design at the recommendation of Town staff. It can also decide to take no action at ail. The finalized speed policy will be reviewed annually. Snowshoe adventures at park A winter wonderland is available to ail ai Crawford Lake. The nearby conservation area offers three snowshoeing adven- tures - complete with a guided hike, multi-media presentations, fun gamnes and a mug of hot ehoco- late - January 14, January 28 and February 4. Each session runs from 2 to 4 p.m. and gives park goers the opportunity to experience winter the way the First Nations people did many yeams ago. i Thse event costa $8 for adults and $5 for ehildren aged 8 to 14 years. For more information, caîl 854- 0234. Thse Canadian Champion, Tuesday, January 2, 2001 -3 I WALLACE PONTIAC b as moved our ENTIRE DEALERSHIP To our NEW LOCATION at 801 MAIN ST. E. (across from the GO Station) YEAR END RATE BREAK DO NOT PAY FOR 90 DAYS OR ONE FULL YEAR OPTIION #1 PAYET NOE VI ON F0I DYS NO FOR DAYS General Motors Pay the Interest OPTION #2 NO PAYMENTS FOR 1 VEAR N O INTER EST overl O FOR Y VEAR New Veh"le" General Motors Pays the Interest in stock SALE ENDS JANUARY 10, 2001 poi~~c MAN STE. BUICKMILTON 6gicl