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The purchase of two more speed warning signs for Banff has been given the green light.
The $11,000 for two additional speed indicator signs, which can be placed on an existing mobile trailer and existing poles or infrastructure, has been set aside in Banff’s capital budget for next year.
Officials say studies show a significant reduction in recorded speed infractions when the trailer is present, adding they believe the flashing speed indicator signs to be an effective way to slow drivers down.
“The results show a significant reduction in recorded speed infractions and that tells us this is working,” said Councillor Chip Olver.
The existing mobile speed indicator trailer is only useful for about seven months of the year, whereas the speed indicator signs are individual units and can be attached to existing poles or infrastructure near the roadway.
The signs can also come equipped with a solar power option.
Coun. Stavros Karlos argued against the purchase of the signs, saying the RCMP have repeatedly told council that Banff is an extremely safe community to drive in.
“The RCMP tells us our accident rate is extremely low,” he said.
But Coun. Leslie Taylor said it’s important to keep reminding drivers what the speed limit is compared to what they are actually driving.
“You don’t want to wait for an accident before you do something. It’s like getting your teeth cleaned every year as opposed to waiting for a filling,” she said.
“Yes, our accident rate is low, but our speed compliance rate is not high. We are not, as a community, or visitors, complying completely with the speed limit.”
