Editor, the Times
Re: July 23 edition, page A7, Serious crash at Jenkins Road
I think it’s about time that elected officials and government bureaucrats are held accountable for their decisions.
The last sentence in the news article says the collision is still under investigation with charges pending for the Clearwater resident. Charges should be pending against the Ministry of Transportation.
The ministry has data regarding all five crossroad intersections in Clearwater, data such as upgrades, accidents, and how many injuries or fatalities occurred.
Yet they chose to spend $3.1 million to upgrade an intersection that already had left turn lanes and a pedestrian crosswalk with a stop light, and had never had a pedestrian accident or fatality. This was the safest intersection of all five.
On the other hand, the Jenkins Road intersection has had several major accidents resulting in severe injuries or death. It also has a passing line, a speed limit of 100 km per hour, and no left turn lanes.
During the information meetings regarding the roundabout, the District of Clearwater, the Ministry of Transport, MLA Terry Lake, and the then highways minister Mary Polak were all made very aware that other intersections in the area were a lot more in need of upgrades.
The first priority of any decision regarding highways should be the safety of the motoring public, not the enhancement of the gateway to Wells Grey Park. Every person involved with the decision regarding the roundabout had better take a long look in the mirror. It’s your conscience you have to live with.
There will be a lot more blood spilled until these intersections are upgraded.
Jim Lamberton
The Rambling Man
Blackpool, B.C.