County traffic bylaw approved

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Wheatland County council approved Bylaw 16-32 that, along with traffic enforcement updates, sets a playground zone along RR 224 in Nightingale, posts a new speed limit for that zone, and changes speed limits and changes a yield sign to a stop sign in Cluny.
“Replacement of the yield sign with a stop sign will inform drivers of the requirement to stop, giving more time for the driver to scan the intersection, as First Avenue is a primary route into Cluny,” said Wheatland County’s senior peace officer, Sgt. Jeff Cyr.
In Cluny, westbound Fifth Avenue leading to Hwy 842 will be posted at 30 km/hr and the eastbound First Avenue from Hwy 842 will have a speed reduction, with a 30 km/hr zone ahead sign posted. The stop sign placement is set for the intersection of First and Fifth Avenues.
The 30 km zone will extend on First Avenue to Sixth Street. West of Fifth Avenue leading to RR 215 west, an 80 km/hr zone is in effect.
The bylaw also includes laws pertaining to vehicles on highways, definition of temporary parking restrictions, and fees and penalties for infractions.
Attachments for various speed zones within the county are posted on the Wheatland County website, under the bylaw draft in the Feb. 7, 2017 agenda.
“There has been a lot of talk in the hamlets about the speed and signage,” said Wheatland County Coun. Brenda Knight. “Can there not be more consistency throughout the county?”
Wheatland County CAO Alan Parkin said previous councils had set the various speeds in the various hamlets and there was probably a reason for the differences. However, council could make it more consistent if they gave direction to it.
Deputy Reeve Ben Armstrong said he felt the public had asked for the posted speeds. He said the bylaw could go through, but if the residents disagree, they can write in and the issue for the hamlets can be reconsidered.
Coun. Alice Booth agreed and said it would be simpler for the officers and the drivers if a consistent speed structure applied to all hamlets, and felt the differing speeds are perceived by the public as a way to generate tickets.
Fines for infractions of the bylaw range from $75 to $10,000 and up to six months in jail.