Carbonear council trying to calm speeds

By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Olivia Bradbury

Carbonear council is brainstorming traffic-calming methods for Valley Road.

The councillors have discussed the issue before and at last month’s meeting the subject was aired again with particular concern expressed because the road is home to both Carbonear Academy and Carbonear Collegiate.

This past summer, a speed monitor on Valley Road showed the average speed was 37km per hour, not enough to confirm that speeding is a problem on the street. However, councillor Amanda Dowden said she would like to see the monitor placed on the road again once school reopens and traffic in the area increases. That should give a more accurate idea of the speeding situation, she argued.

Mayor Sam Slade expressed concern about not taking action.

“That area in there is a recreation area and it is a school area and the bus turnaround goes right in past the school,” Slade said.

The mayor suggested Town extend the school zone to include the bus turnaround.

Councillor Wendy Penney pointed out that Carbonear Collegiate uses Valley Road for running practice and the Harvest Run. “If we make it as a school zone, then that would protect those activities that do come from the school,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Fred Earle suggested the Town could add zebra crossings or other paintings on the road. “So when people are driving in, they can see right in front of them white strips, school zones, and different colours that would draw their attention that they’re in an area where potentially our kids are walking and playing,” said Earle.