Speed limits and signs on roads with access to rural schools continue to be an issue in Wellington North.
If the policy discussed by council on Aug. 13 is endorsed, the township will lower speed limits from 80 to 60km/h on all roads that have entrances to rural schools.
Endorsement of the policy by council is required in order for the township to begin meetings with officials from rural schools and Wellington County OPP.
However, the question of whether there should also be consistent signage for roads in urban school zones, as well as rural, was brought up with strong support from councillors Steve McCabe and Sherry Burke.
Yet the possibility that implementing this would slow down the process of making changes drew concern from council.
According to Burke, the rural school zone speed limits was brought forward as an issue for a decision back in May 2017.
Burke added she is keen to see the changes finally made prior to September.
“This particular item has been going on for some time and I would like to see, if council supports this, that we can somehow tie it in for the start of the school year in 2018,” said Burke.
Changing the bylaw could be done relatively quickly, it was agreed, but changing signs cannot be completed before September.
“It’s going to be a challenge in terms of timing,” said CAO Mike Givens.
He suggested it would be better if the change took place after school has started, because it would have a greater chance of being seen by officials and members of the community, allowing them a chance to have input.
Ultimately, all councillors voted in favour of redrafting the municipality’s policy to include rural and urban school zones.
The policy will be brought to council for consideration again at the next meeting on Aug. 27.
