One-way street violations continue to be common
by Brandon Mayer
A vehicle parked facing southbound on Louise St – which allows only northbound traffic. A note was left under the windshield wiper, which drew amused laughter and a photo opportunity when spotted by the vehicle’s owner.
In Winchester, a problem that has persisted for several years shows little sign of improvement. York Street – which allows only westbound traffic flow toward the hospital – and Lousie Street South – which allows only northbound traffic flow away from the hospital – both see wrong way violations daily. This problem has persisted despite signage being added that spells out the “DO NOT ENTER” communication in words, rather than just the existing universal traffic symbol posted in two places at each street exit.
The wrong way violations pose a serious safety risk. Southbound (wrong way) traffic on Louise St comes to an intersection with York St in which westbound York St motorists do not have a stop sign. For obvious reasons, there is no stop sign posted for wrong way drivers on Louise St. This same problem occurs at York St and St. Lawrence. Drivers who somehow miss four separate signs commanding them not to proceed, two of them in clear English, and head eastbound on York St from the hospital end up reaching the busy St. Lawrence St intersection (whose cross traffic does not stop) with no stop sign. An accident is inevitable, if this driver behaviour continues.
Further to the potential for a collision at one of these two intersections, there are other risks posed by these wrong way drivers. When cars are parked in the designated spaces on either of the one-way streets, there is only room for one vehicle to pass in the dedicated one-way travel lane. A wrong way driver not realizing they are on a one lane street may not have enough reaction time (or space) to avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle. In some of these cases, a motorist may steer into a pedestrian in a knee-jerk attempt to avoid colliding with the vehicle, and considering that both streets border Winchester Public School, the victim could easily be a child.
Yet another safety concern posed by wrong way drivers is the crosswalk on York St. Drivers who miss the “DO NOT ENTER” signage can easily miss crosswalk signage, and pedestrians who know the direction of travel may not always think to look both ways on a one-way street. Children should be taught to look both ways at this crossing. Multiple vehicles approach it every day from an unexpected direction.
The local OPP detachment has suggested that residents who catch one-way drivers should report the license plate to the police station. Arguably, a few days of active enforcement would be much more effective, as would other preventative measures. Those most likely to still be violating the one-way ordinances are those from out of town who visit the hospital, but the clear signage leaves no room for excuses. A driver inattentive enough to miss such signage is putting lives at risk, and is deserving of at least a fine. An active role in addressing this problem is needed from the OPP.