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A group of concerned citizens isn’t happy with Saskatoon city council’s decision to increase speed limits through the Northeast Swale.
During Monday’s council meeting, councillors voted 7-4 in favour of increasing the speed limits through the swale.
Louise Jones, Northeast Swale Watchers chair says she was “totally shocked” that the city didn’t understand the need for the 50 km/h limit.
“That 50 km/h limit was set after a great deal of investigation and consideration by experts and was then ratified by the city. It was a mitigated measure before the roadway was open,” Jones told 650 CKOM Tuesday.
Jones says she is looking for safety for both humans and wildlife, along with motorists. She explained that the ability to brake and the nature of the impact is decreased when travelling at a lower rate of speed.
“My readings suggest that any speed over 40 will have a much more dangerous impact on, whether it’s a pedestrian or an animal,” she said, before adding another point for drivers.
“The amount of time you gain over a short period of road isn’t all that great.”
Jones says that health and well being should outweigh the wish “to go fast.”
She added that she does understand the other side of the argument for motorists, with inconsistent speeds through the area.
“I can understand that if people aren’t attentive, it may be hard for them to notice the change in speeds. But I bet you if you went around the city, you’d find other places where there are changes in speed,” Jones said.
Moving forward, Jones feels like the residents of Saskatoon will have their say when it comes to the speed in the area, but hopes council stays accountable.
“50 people wrote letters to council and then there were three or four, wrote letters saying they wanted to increase the speed,” she said. “I don’t imagine that those people are going to give up.
“It isn’t a good statement in support that council is doing due diligence on protecting environment, and falling on their own environmental policies and bylaws. I don’t think we’re going to let them off the hook on that larger issue, for sure.”