By Tom Mark

Armstrong Bylaw Strengthens Protection For Flaggers

Apr 25, 2018 | 10:10 AM

The City of Armstrong has moved to try to make it a little safer for road flaggers.

Council this week amended a bylaw on speeds in construction zones.

Mayor Chris Pieper says until now motorists only had to slow down.

“It allows the RCMP and the flagging company to report people that are speeding or basically ignoring flaggers in our community.”

The flaggers or construction companies can now set a speed limit they feel is safe for that work site.

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The Mayor says the previous bylaw didn’t give flaggers enough protection, giving the example of someone slowing to 79 if a regular speed was 80.

“We don’t want an excavator hitting a car and we don’t want a car hitting a flagger or a construction worker. We’ve been working on this for the last few months and we’re really supportive of a safety environment for construction zones.”

The bylaw allows for the flagging company to report drivers ignoring the set speed limits and RCMP could issue fines.

Pieper says it only makes sense.

“They’re there to protect you and they’re there to protect the workers. So when you do see a sign, when you do see a flagger slow right down. It makes a difference of less than 30 seconds to your overall trip.”

The amended bylaw states that anyone convicted of violating the speed limit is liable to a penalty of not more than 10 thousand dollars or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or both.

by Tom Mark