Nicholas Donaldson
The Rainy River District School Board finally received an answer from the Ministry of Transportation regarding a speed limit change in front of Crossroads School in Devlin.
In a letter sent to the transportation minister dated Nov. 1, 2016, the board asked the ministry to reduce the speed limit on Highway 613 North from 80 km/h to 60 km/h in front of Crossroads School.
The board also wanted signs posted to alert drivers that they were near a school.
In the letter, Director of Education Heather Campbell expressed concern for the safety of students, staff, parents/guardians, visitors, and school buses.
She wrote that “Highway 613N is a very busy secondary highway.”
Transportation minister Steven Del Duca’s response, in a letter dated Jan. 13, was discussed at the board’s regular meeting last Tuesday (Feb. 7).
In the letter, Del Duca explained that speed limits need to reflect the type/design of the road, as well as the expectation of drivers.
“Speed limits must balance the safety of road users with the efficient movement of traffic,” it reads.
He added studies have shown that posting lower speed limits does not always result in lower driving speeds.
“If the speed reduction is not consistent with the characteristic of the highway and the surrounding physical environment, then the reduced speed limit signs may not be effective,” Del Duca wrote.
“After conducting a review of Highway 613 in the vicinity of Crossroads School, the ministry has determined that the existing speed limit is the most appropriate.”
“He’s basically saying it will do no good,” said board chair Dianne McCormack.
She noted the Ontario government recently has been talking about reducing the speed limit in residential areas to protect schoolchildren, adding the World Health Organization also has been lobbying for slower speeds.
“The WHO says there is no chance for a person to survive an impact at 80 km/h, but the Ministry believes that 80 km/h outside of a school is ‘most appropriate,'” said McCormack.
She also noted that coming onto Highway 613 from Highway 11/71, there is a speed limit of 60 km/h that increases to 80 km/h just before the entrance to the school.
“Just an extension of that 60 km/h would be an improvement,” McCormack stressed.
Trustee Ralph Hill also expressed his displeasure at Del Duca’s response, especially the mention of posting lower speed limits not being effective.
“He is saying that the OPP are not effective. He is saying that he is not effective,” Hill charged.
Trustee David Kircher said they should ask for the metrics that determined the speed outside of the school.
Trustee Don McBride agreed, saying he also would like to see the studies referenced by Del Duca about the effectiveness of road signs.
A resolution then was put forth to request the specific details that led to the decision not to lower the speed limit in front of Crossroads School.
In his letter, Del Duca also acknowledged the request for the area to be designated as a School Safety Zone, saying it was a matter for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
A letter now has been sent to Community Safety and Correctional Services minister David Orazietti about the designation.
But Kircher questioned what the designation would do since it would not reduce the speed limit.
“It will address those who exceed the speed limit with heavier fines,” replied Campbell.
She added it also would get signs up alerting drivers about the school zone.
“Something would be better than nothing,” Campbell reasoned.
