![stop[1]](http://zhamid.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/stop1.jpg "stop[1]")
The Council meeting last night had an issue with stop signs. Some residents on an intersection wanted a stop-sign there. The staff did a study and realized that the traffic volume did not warrant a stop sign (a confusion around stop sign is that stop signs are used to determine ‘right-of-way’. They cannot be used to control speed. In fact, studies show that poorly placed stop signs actually cause people to drive faster between them to make up for lost time).
The council sided with traffic engineers and voted against putting stop signs. This brings up an interesting dilemma. Some people felt it was wrong and undemocratic for the council to go against residents’ wishes who wanted stop signs.
I actually agree with what the council did. Residents raised an issue (“we want a stop sign here”). Staff researched it and made a recommendation (“this street is not suitable for a stop sign”). Council debated it for at least half an hour. They voted in a public and recorded vote. That’s democracy.
I found this whole stop-sign issue really interesting as I often make the turn from Fulton onto Pine, and have done so in both directions. I have never had an issue with making my turn there, but I am by nature a cautious driver and will look carefully to ensure the way is clear before proceeding. Additionally, a friend of mine and I were almost hit by someone turning left from Pine onto Commercial at the four-way stop. The safety issue here, in my opinion, lies between the wheel and the driver’s seat.
That’s a good point about how democracy works-sometimes I think some people don’t quite get it.