The Town of Oliver wants to calm traffic down by budgeting $1,100 for a four-way stop at the intersection of Fairview, Spartan and Similkameen.

Council recently approved this traffic calming measure that is designed to slow motorists down and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for local students.

However, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, four-way stops should not be used as a traffic calming measure because:

– When one street is busier than the other, people do not comply with the new signage and start ignoring it over time.

– For most of the year, school zone speeds are already in effect at 30 km/h.

– Pedestrian traffic is busier at only two times of the day for a limited time.

– Stopping and starting causes more noise pollution for nearby residents.

The ministry says four-way stops are warranted when the intersection has higher accident statistics and is an increase in vehicular, pedestrian and cycling traffic

Shawn Goodsell, director of operations for Oliver, said there were only two accidents at this intersection between 2009 and 2013.

He said an ICBC road safety advisor recommended more traffic enforcement, reader board placements and Speed Watch activities at this location.

Goodsell said the Town will embark on a traffic calming measures study in 2017 as part of its newly adopted Strategic Plan.”

Mayor Ron Hovanes said he’s not an ICBC expert, but noted the four-way stop on Park Drive certainly calms traffic down.

He stated that council has received requests from the public to do something on Fairview Road, and added that it doesn’t look like a previously suggested traffic circle will come to fruition.

The mayor said he’s not a fan of speed bumps because they are akin to launch pads for vehicles. But he agreed that a four-way stop should be implemented this summer so that motorists get accustomed to it before students return to school this fall.

Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger agreed, although he doesn’t approve of four-way stops.

Councillor Jack Bennest said if the four-way stop gets people to stop at that corner, it will be a safer intersection.

Hovanes said if motorists ignore the extra stop signs, more enforcement would be required.

LYONEL DOHERTY

Oliver Chronicle