After several near misses and at least six collisions this year alone at the intersection of Cameron Street and Second Avenue in Williams Lake a concerned citizen is appealing that the city make it a four-way stop.
Bill Davidson, with Davidson Financial located near the intersection on Second Avenue, said in the past he and people at other businesses nearby have talked several times about safety concerns.
“I guess we were just waiting for the city to do something,” Davidson told the Tribune.
Earlier this month Davidson put his concerns in writing and sent a letter to mayor and council.
“I know they are aware of the issue,” he said. “I contacted ICBC and spoke with Diana Pozer in Prince George. She and I went over the statistics for the past seven or eight years. They don’t include the current year and that is where all the accidents have happened.”
Not sure exactly why a spike in the number of accidents has occurred, Davidson said he wondered if more people are using Second Avenue because Third Avenue has become busier with new construction and businesses opening there.
“I wonder if people are migrating to Second to avoid the construction. Between the speeding and the near misses and accidents it’s been a hectic year for that corner.”
At the regular meeting Dec. 18, Davidson’s letter was received by council.
“I’ve often felt that area is of great concern for safety and am in agreement that we need a four-way stop there,” Coun. Laurie Walters said. “I’m happy to see this has been brought forward.”
Coun. Surinderpal Rathor went further, saying an enforcement approach needs to be taken.
“Not only this one street, but all over the city,” Rathor said. “I understand the RCMP’s position that they are doing the best job they can do with the resources they have.
“Educating our community is equally needed here and in every school zone.”
Council passed a motion directing staff to prepare a report for council’s consideration.
In his letter Davidson noted making people slow down will have a dual effect.
“It will hopefully reduce the collisions at the intersection, force people to slow down and maybe save a life of a student crossing the intersection.”