Dear Editor:
Re: Long-awaited Heights traffic changes coming, Burnaby NOW, July 27.
Burnaby Heights/Capitol Hill residents have had to put up with traffic problems for more than 20 years, while the city drags its heels on implementing
changes that are substantial instead of ineffective. Think how much can be accomplished in 20 years. We didn't have email, Facebook and Twitter then. In 1992 Yaletown and South False Creek hadn't been developed yet, Brian Mulroney was prime minister, and yes, Derek Corrigan was a member of Burnaby council.
After 20 years, here's how slowly council has moved. The first stage of the "plan," which is now complete, included: one-year trial of speed reduction through the neighbourhood; curb bulges for three Albert Street intersections; continued education and enforcement of traffic laws in the neighbourhood; continued support for upgrading residential roads; periodic reviews of the Hastings Street signal timings.
I wonder if the engineering department plans to do any traffic counts to see if these changes have reduced traffic in any way. Something tells me they won't find any difference because these measures haven't affected traffic at all. Why don't we have trial periods for more effective solutions like barriers, more stop signs and longer HOV hours? Surely the mayor and council can do better, given the 20 years that they've considered the problem - they obviously don't have the political will. I guess they don't mind looking like the ineffective, fence-sitters that they are.
Diane Mar-Nicolle, Burnaby
