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Central Saanich intersection dangerous

The intersection of Mt. Newton Cross Road and East Saanich Road is a tragedy waiting to happen

The intersection of Mt. Newton Cross Road and East Saanich Road is a tragedy waiting to happen. The traffic control consists of a four-way stop. This might be sufficient when there’s four lanes of traffic. At Mt. Newton and East Saanich there are 12 lanes when you count through lanes and left and right turn lanes.

This makes it dangerous for any pedestrian who is less-than nimble-footed to cross. Drivers are too busy checking all the other vehicles to figure out whose turn is next.

Just the other day, a friend of mine was nearly run over in front of the Prairie Inn by a car barreling through the intersection. He had to shout to get the driver’s attention.

The four-way stop also seems to infuriate impatient drivers when traffic is backed up. If a car in front of them hesitates, it is not uncommon for a driver to shout obscenities out the window.

When Saanichton was a smaller community, the stop signs and red flashing lights may have been sufficient but today, increased traffic is funneling through this key intersection. It is time for Central Saanich council and the police to find a way to alleviate this dangerous situation.

Whether it is a traffic light, a roundabout, or even a police officer stationed there all day, it is long past the time to do nothing. Let’s not wait for a tragedy to occur first. Be proactive, not reactive.

Carole Pearson

Saanichton