Motorists who ignore traffic laws and come to a dead stop to turn left across double solid yellow lines on Main Avenue — by extension often creating behind them a backup of vehicles — might expect to be fined.
The matter was discussed during council’s Aug. 20 meeting, when the Sundre RCMP detachment’s acting commander Cpl. Joe Mandel provided elected officials with a report on the annual performance plan.
“The safety issue is a concern to folks,” said Mayor Terry Leslie, adding that the time to allow an educational grace period had passed and that enforcement would be welcome.
Coun. Todd Dalke said he had recently experienced such a situation on Main Avenue, with a westbound driver stopped for oncoming traffic attempting not only to turn left across the solid centre lines but also into the "exit only" access at the post office, which backed up traffic for about two blocks.
“We went in to get the mail, and at the same time I mentioned, ‘Do you know why they honked at you?’ (and he said), ‘I don’t care.’”
As long as some drivers remain knowingly indifferent about committing such traffic infractions, Dalke said, “it would be great to see a few tickets laid out.”
Doling out a couple of citations would undoubtedly help to change some attitudes, he added.
“Everyone in town would appreciate a few tickets to be handed out,” he said, adding education will not have an impact on apathetic motorists who seem to relish aggravating others.
“They literally just don’t care.”
The corporal said members of the local RCMP detachment have been working on traffic enforcement programs in town, primarily targeting seatbelt and distracted driving violations.
“But we’ll include that as part of our enforcement initiative,” said Mandel.
