In its Nov. 18 meeting, Innisfil’s School Zone–Traffic Safety Advisory Committee received an update on traffic calming measures at the intersection of St. John’s Road and Line 7.
The intersection has been the focus of resident complaints over the past several years, with requests for an all-way stop at the intersection, to slow traffic and make it easier for pedestrians – including schoolchildren - to cross busy St. John’s Road.
But several town studies concluded that an all-way stop would neither be warranted by traffic levels, nor safe – because of the S-bend in St. John’s Road approaching the intersection.
While reconfiguring the intersection as part of the planned reconstruction of the 7th Line remains a long-term goal, town staff and committee members recommended a number of interim measures.
Committee members, Councillors Donna Orsatti and Bill Van Berkel proposed the installation of ‘Hidden Intersection’ signs, with flashing amber lights, for both northbound and southbound traffic; a larger stop sign with red flashing lights on Line 7; more aggressive pruning of vegetation to improve sightlines; and the installation of a radar speed camera.
Alexander Juby, operations technologist with the town, noted that the measures appear to be working, and recommended that no further studies or assessments be carried out at this time.
“I’ve been getting wonderful comments and emails,” agreed Mayor Lynn Dollin, “especially with all that vegetation cut back, as well.”
“Our community took on this task, with not a lot of money spent,” said committee member Joel Jacobson. “All the work that’s been done, I want to thank the committee, I want to thank Coun. Orsatti and all the councillors,” he said, for coming up with “at least an interim solution, that works at this time.”
“This is a great job. Well done!” agreed member Karlene Doyle.
The positive impact was confirmed by South Simcoe Police Sgt. Dave Phillips, who presented the results of 16 days of data collection by the new radar speed camera on St. John’s Road.
Of the 3,470 vehicles clocked, only 3.6 percent were caught travelling at 10 kmph or more over the posted limit of 50 kmph – 101 between 60 and 65 kmph, 18 between 65 and 70 kmph, six between 70 and 73 kmph, and one at 87 kmph.
The LIDAR camera “does identify our frequent offenders,” Phillips said, and although letters have not yet gone out to motorists caught speeding, “It’s a great way to test the technology.”
It also confirms that excessive speeding is not a problem on St. John’s Road, he said – while agreeing that the new signage and flashing amber lights may play a role in slowing traffic down.
The speed camera will remain in place a while longer, but Phillips recommended eventually moving the device to other locations of higher concern.
Orsatti suggested that traffic has been slowing in the vicinity of Line 7 “because it’s different.” She urged the town to keep the cameras in place, at least for now, to gather more information that can be shared with the public.
Director of Operations Nicole Bowman said that staff will come back to the committee in January, with a list of recommended new locations for the camera – locations where speeding is a continuing concern.