SACKVILLE, N.B. — Sackville town council is calling on the province to take another look at reducing the speed limit along Pond Shore Road.
Following an appeal from residents, who brought their concerns to council’s monthly meeting last week and who have also launched an online petition calling for action, councillors agreed to send a letter to the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) and the local MLA, requesting the speed limit on the stretch of Pond Shore Road, from Uphill Drive to Mount View Road, be reduced from 60 km/h to 50. The letter will also call for DTI to install proper signage in the area.
Council also put forward a motion to request the RCMP increase its patrols in the area.
Don Gouthro, who lives along that “dangerous” stretch of road, said he believes there are a number of issues that make that area unsafe and that’s why he decided to return to council to once again ask for support to get them resolved.
“We’re asking for your help in getting the ball rolling,” said Gouthro.
Although council itself can’t make the necessary speed limit or signage changes because Pond Shore Road (aka Route 960) is a municipally-designated highway, it can lobby the provincial government to do a review.
Gouthro was also involved in a similar request more than 10 years ago to have the speed limit lowered along Pond Shore Road but to no avail. With increased development in the community, however, he said there are now more families who live there – and young children are often making their way to and from the bus stop with the speeding vehicles passing them by.
“We have very grave concerns about their safety,” he said.
Gouthro pointed to a serious hit-and-run accident that occurred on Dec. 23, when his neighbour was rear-ended while turning into his driveway by a car going at an excessive speed. The car was badly mangled and he said his neighbour is lucky to be alive. But he worries that everyone may not always be so fortunate.
“We fear it’s going to be a tragic accident that’s going to occur if something is not done.”
For more information on the petition, , click here.
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