EDITORIAL
Aylmerites pay to be city’s worst drivers
If drivers would hold up their part of the agreement, none of us would have to pay for speed reduction measures. When each driver got his or her driver’s license, there was an agreement made to drive according to the law. Virtually all of the streets slated for these reduction measures are in Aylmer. Doesn’t this say that Aylmerites are the worst drivers in Gatineau?
Imagine the money saved if Gatineau didn’t have to commission studies about speeding? Or the professional services for the planning. This summer, we’ll pay for the professional services. We’ve already paid for the study. The planners are providing the city with three options for reducing speed on each dangerous street. Councillor Champagne asked how much money it would cost to add three streets not included because of budgets. Each of these narrow flexible poles can cost $300, plus $200 in annual maintenance. Each spot has three flexible poles.
Is it just me or can’t logic offer a better option for spending on a street. Councillor Champagne can be forgiven for wondering why the city pays professional fees rather than actually getting the safety measures installed before someone gets hurt. In fact, as Councillor Bégin points out, there is something wrong in this system. In his ward, the two streets with the most urgent need for these flexible poles are not even mentioned, one of which, Vanier, was the subject of a consultation and study last year.
We need 140 of these flexible poles for 2016 (to do the 10 out of 13 targeted streets). That’s around $57,000. Naturally the amount, divided among all 275,000 residents, is peanuts. But the principle here is the irritant. Anyone knows that cars move people around and no one wants to putz around a city when a street can handle speed.
The fact that Gatineau has to put in three flexible poles in school zones and pedestrian cross walks is the real shame. Dangerous drivers have created this situation. At Council’s April 19 plenary meeting, councillors juggled the cost of lives. Councillor Goneau pointed out that at 40 km/hr, three out of 10 children will be killed if they are hit by a car. After that comment, the councillors looked back at the map to see how they can afford to add more speed-reduction measures.
What councillor would want to be part of a decision that puts pedestrians, especially children, at risk? Drivers, do everyone a favour and drive as if your own mother were strolling along up ahead; then use the money you’ve saved in taxes to buy her a new pair of walking shoes.
