On Sunday, another vehicle was spotted going the wrong way, heading downtown on Colborne Street midday. Reports go over the closed circuit radio and on twitter. Debate over two way streets downtown ensues. But one thing comes quite clear to the casual eye looking down both Colborne and Dalhousie streets.
If you didn’t already know they were one way, you will find it hard to be redirected if you make a wrong turn. Yes, there are two black and white arrows showing you the direction of traffic. There are no turning signs, albeit the regular size, not oversized.
In fact, if you look at this pic of Clarence and Colborne, if you make a wrong turn, such as the person Sunday did, you will not encounter a “Wrong Way” sign until a full block ahead, on Charlotte Street. By that time, traffic will already be ascending upon you and trouble is coming.
The real cheap and easy answer is to install “Wrong Way” signs downtown. Clear markings. We already do this on William and Albion Streets, on almost every corner. Hamilton has their downtown clearly marked as well. The signs are not expensive, definitely cheaper than re-aligning the traffic downtown.
With tourist traffic coming from the casino, and Laurier students moving back in this fall from around the province, why don’t we take this simple, economical, and pain free way of fixing this issue.Let’s make sure newcomers to the city, or even residents who have made a turning mistake, have a well marked warning to prevent a serious collision downtown.
