Murray Clifford gets choked up whenever he sees cars speeding by his home near Cairndale Road in Colwood.
Since moving to the area in May from Qualicum Beach, he said there’s a constant flow of cars whipping by, many often going 60 to 80 kilometres an hour – more than the posted 30 km/h speed limit.
“They just don’t have any respect for the speed limit,” Clifford said. “They just think it’s fine to do twice the speed limit … It’s dangerous with the speeds they go, they put people at risk.”
He believes most drivers are using Cairndale Road as a shortcut between Wishart Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway and often don’t see the many signs warning people to slow down.
Not only is Clifford afraid that residents who walk their dogs could be hit by speeding cars, but is also concerned for children walking to Wishart Elementary school and others who play in the area.
There have been a couple of instances when he has almost been hit pulling onto Cairndale Road as well.
“I’m concerned about the way people drive through the neighbourhood. I just think it’s a safety issue with kids and people pulling out the side streets,” said Clifford, noting he’s spoken to neighbours in the area who share his concerns.
Mayor Carol Hamilton said it’s a problem the City is aware of and is potentially looking at installing traffic calming measures such as speed bumps.
“We have had extra attention by police and speed watch along there and it’s always good while there’s somebody present. But when they’re not there, then [drivers] are coming down the hill on the twisty road and [their] foot is off the brake,” she said.
“It is something that we’re mindful of.”
Clifford hopes to see more enforcement by the West Shore RCMP to encourage people to slow down or for speed readers to be installed.
Const. Matthew Baker of the West Shore RCMP sympathized with Clifford’s concerns and encouraged residents to call when they see someone speeding and to note the time and exact place.
The West Shore RCMP can be reached on its non-emergency line at 250-474-2264.