Speed limit on Vanier stays the same

Over the next month, some streets in Aylmer will see new traffic calming measures, many in Deschênes ward. To the surprise of many, Vanier Road is not on the list, and Deschênes Councillor Richard Bégin is not happy about it.

“Citizens have been fighting for five or six years (to have the speed limit reduced). There have been many petitions, letters to the media, and now there seems to be resistance to change. Since we have decided that the policy (on traffic calming measures) would be reviewed, I hope and I try to be optimistic, but I can’t just drop that file,” stated Bégin.

“City officials believe that Vanier Road is an important artery. However, south of Aylmer Road, it is a strictly residential area that is especially affected. With the rapid growth in Aylmer, it will be more and more affected. The street has become a race course.”

Mr Bégin believes that the solution, as per the residents’ request, is to reduce the speed limit from 50 to 40 km/h on Vanier between Aylmer Road and Lucerne Boulevard. The problem is, an “important artery” is not eligible for this reduction.

“As I see it, Aylmer Road should be the access to the Champlain Bridge. I receive many complaints regarding speeding on McConnell and on Vanier, since they serve as a shortcut for drivers who do not want to take Aylmer Road,” noted Mr Bégin.

Frustrated, the Councillor is considering using his discretionary budget to install flexible speed reducing markers with lateral bollards along Vanier Road.

The city reports that where markers with lateral bollards have been used, a drop of 10 km/h has occurred. According to its records, the city saw a drop of 6 km/h on sites where flexible markers were present.

So far, nothing is planned for Vanier Road except for a radar speed sign. The Deschênes Councillor is unsatisfied.

“Residents want the speed limit reduced to 40 km/h,” he notes; “ignoring citizens is unacceptable.” Even if Aylmer residents’ requests fall on deaf ears at the city, Mr. Bégin has no intention of letting this go. “We must take measures to ensure peace and safety for the people living in the Lakeview, Champlain Park and surrounding neighbourhoods.”

(Transl.: CB)