MLA Eric Foster, I wanted to let you know that as a Vernon resident and taxpayer, I fully support the Ministry of Transportation’s position that a red light at Stickle Road should be avoided at all costs.
Highway 97 is now a high-speed, through road and I fear that a red light in this location would lead to an increased risk of high-speed collisions and red light crashes from frustrated, long-distance drivers.
There has been a very vocal campaign by the handful of businesses at this location for a red light, supported by The Morning Star, whose reporting on the issue has been entirely one-sided.
I visit there regularly and the intersection does not see much traffic using Stickle Road. I always return to Vernon on Pleasant Valley Road, which is a good road.
It takes four to five minutes to drive back to the intersection of 48th Avenue and Highway 97 by that route. Hardly a big deal.
The ministry is correct and reasonable in its recommendations.
I’m all for road safety and the intersection needs changes as southbound left-turns are assuredly dangerous, but this is simply silly.
Please stick to your guns on this issue.
Ritchie Leslie
Vernon
