Disappointed in council support of speed changes

Editor:

I must say that I’m deeply disappointed with Clearview council on their decision to approve lowering the speed limits on certain township roads from Creemore to Collingwood in the name of safety.

That’s ridiculous! The decision to reduce the speed limits appears to have been based less on facts and more on the effective lobbying of certain councillors. The concerned citizens’ door-to-door survey showed that no changes were required, as residents believe the roads are safe with the existing speed limits.

Council has failed to present convincing data proving that there is a real safety concern.

Local businesses who use these roads almost every day to service our community have legitimate concerns that reduced speed limits will have a negative impact on their companies’ bottom line. What should be of concern to us is that the engineering studies appear to be flawed. Why was the first study, which indicated few changes were required, rejected and sent back for a review? Could it be that it did not provide acceptable results commensurate with the agenda of certain councillors? As a taxpayer I wonder what’s the cost of these surveys?

Are the voices of particular special interest groups who use our roads for only a few months a year louder than drivers who use the roads year-round?

Clearview council, I urge you to reconsider and overturn your decision on the matter.

Ron March,

Creemore.