Light Demanded For Dangerous Crosswalk

Another attempt will be made by the City of Vernon to get a flashing pedestrian light for the crosswalk on Highway 97 near the hospital.

Councillor Scott Anderson says the Transportation Ministry has rejected the idea before, but he feels it’s worth another try.

“It’s going to save lives because somebody is going to get hit on that hill,” Anderson told Kiss FM.

City Transportation Manager Amanda Watson says the province won’t put in lights due to the grade of the road, and because it would be difficult for big trucks to stop there.

“They have done several analyses, but felt no improvements were needed,” says Watson.

Anderson doesn’t buy the ministry’s argument.

“The rationale I’ve heard is trucks have a hard time starting when they are stopping in the winter, but if someone is crossing the crosswalk, they are going to stop in any event, so this just helps them see someone that’s stopped there.”

The city will write to the ministry, requesting a light.