Franey tables possible solution to speeding in Bay Roberts

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Speeding has long been a bane on the main roads and back lanes of Bay Roberts and oft discussed at council. At last week’s meeting, the topic cropped up again, but this time with councilor Dean Franey suggesting a novel way of tackling it.

If asked, most people could likely tell you what a speed bump is. There would probably be fewer who are aware of speed tables. 

Mayor Walter Yetman joked that when he saw the phrase on the meeting agenda, it made him think of multiplication tables. In essence, speed tables are long elevations in the road. Mayor Yet-man was surprised to learn they could be up to 22 feet long.

Speed tables are meant to slow down people driving too fast but are supposed to be less invasive than speed bumps. According to Franey, whether a bump or a table is implemented generally depends on the type of road and its speed limit. While Bay Roberts mostly uses speed bumps on smaller residential roads, speed tables could be a potential addition to busier streets, he allowed.

Franey said if someone is going the speed limit, they can smoothly roll over a speed table and continue along without it posing an obstruction. In other words, speed tables allow drivers to continue doing the speed limit without having to come to a near or complete stop as some speed bumps necessitate. 

If someone is speeding, however, their vehicle would experience a jolt. 

Franey added speed tables would be easier to deal with than speed bumps when it comes to plowing. Furthermore, emergency vehicles should not be hindered by speed tables as they have different dimensions.

“Considering the volume of complaints that we receive, and the number of requests that we get for speed bumps, I think we should be open to an alternative at this point,” said Deputy Mayor Geoff Seymour.

After hearing out Franey’s idea, council agreed to move the topic to committee for further discussion.