The new 4-way stop on Fairview Road and Spartan Street has been installed as a traffic calming measure. But numerous drivers are ignoring the new signs, resulting in a few close calls. Motorists are advised to be aware of the new signage. Photo by Dan Walton
Many drivers in Oliver are reportedly not heeding the new 4-way stop on Fairview Road and Spartan Street.
The change was implemented on Monday as a traffic calming measure and safety feature for pedestrians, including students who attend local schools in the area.
But one resident who lives on Fairview Road said she observed nine out of 10 vehicles ignore the new stop signs and motor right through the intersection. She noted that one vehicle came within inches of rear-ending her vehicle.
Nancy, who didn’t want to give her last name, said she and her daughter were almost hit from behind when they stopped at the new sign on Monday. “This will be a problem,” she told her daughter.
Later that day, looking out of her kitchen window, Nancy observed nine out of 10 vehicles blow through the stop sign on Fairview heading into town. She didn’t recall seeing any brake lights either.
“One car that stopped came so close to being rear-ended,” Nancy said.
The resident noted there is no excuse for not stopping since there are big “prepare to stop” signs warning drivers of the change.
“There will be accidents there,” she said, expressing worry about student safety when school starts again in September.
When asked what she thinks of this new traffic calming measure, Nancy was quick to respond: “I don’t like it because I don’t think it will help; it will make it worse . . . and cause more headaches.”
Local RCMP could not be reached for comment on when they will start enforcing the new signage.
By Lyonel Doherty
