In response to Elmer Williams’ letter (Pope Road a priority, Oct. 9), I would like to remind Mr. Williams that the current council is not in the business of removing people from their homes against their will.
Mr. Williams reminds residents that “the original reason for changing the intersection at the Pope Road and Central Street was to connect the unsafe situation there by creating a straight road from Central Street and Granville Street.” While this is partly correct, there is also the issue of efficiency. There are several north/south collector streets but a decreasing number of east/west connector streets. With the number of stop signs on Notre Dame street, I’m not even sure that can still be called a collector street.
Not only have roundabouts proven to increase efficiency, they’ve also proven to increase safety, are better for the environment and are cheaper to operate than traditional intersections. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety looked at 24 intersections that had changed over from stop signs or traffic lights, to roundabouts. The study found roundabouts reduced the overall number of collisions by 35 per cent, the number of injuries from collisions by 76 per cent, and the number of fatalities by 90 per cent. The numbers found in the study are consistent with larger studies done around the world, according to Transport Canada. Studies also show that when there is a crash within a roundabout, it's usually a fender bender — not an accident that can cause serious injury. Roundabouts also cut down vehicular emissions and fuel consumption by reducing the vehicle idle time at intersections.
Furthermore, with respect to safety, this project will include sidewalks that begin at the current network at Pope Road, and extend all the way to Granville Street, so pedestrians will now be able to walk safely, on a sidewalk, all the way from South Drive to MacEwen Road.
So when Mr. Williams asks, “How in the world did our city politicians get us to where we are today?” The answer is through careful, thorough consultation with professionals, property owners and residents, who have been asking for this for many years. There was never an “original plan.” There were original options, and the one we are proceeding with is the most efficient, safe method and the one that has the least effect on property owners and taxpayers.
Justin Doiron, Councillor,
Ward 2: St. Eleanors-Slemon Park,
City of Summerside
