The intersection of 12th Street and First Avenue W. is where one of five sets of traffic lights were recently removed in the P.A. downtown. (Glenn Hicks/paNOW Staff) 

By Glenn Hicks

Lights Out

Traffic light removal results in no increase in incidents

Sep 27, 2019 | 12:00 PM

Officials says there has not been any change in the incident rate at the Prince Albert downtown intersections where five sets of traffic lights were removed a month ago.

The city approved their removal after a study found these intersections saw relatively little potential vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian interactions and conflicts at peak hour.

Despite concerns raised by some city councillors, the majority approved the removal of three sets of lights on Central Avenue: at 11^th Street, 13^th Street and 14^th Street. The other sets were at First Avenue E. and W. at 12th Street.

“Since the removal of the lights we haven’t seen any increase at all in the amount of collisions in the downtown area,” P.A. Police Service Sgt. Terry Epp told paNOW. “There are no trends, issues or concerns regarding their removal.”

Epp explained people had been slowing down as they’re unsure of the new look situation, and that was a good thing.

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“People are being responsible, vigilant and they’re taking their time as they approach,” he said. “All round it has been very good.”

There was a crash at 12th Street and First Avenue W. last week but that is still under investigation.

Epp figured the traffic light removal was an opportunity for motorists and pedestrians to become more aware of their surroundings and each other, especially with further changes likely coming to the downtown regarding increased pedestrianization and changes to parking and traffic flow.

Parkland Ambulance have also reported no change in incidents since the lights came down.

“We have had no increase in collisions with vehicles or pedestrians since those lights have been removed,“ Director of Public Affairs Lyle Karasiuk said. “As people get used to these changes they need to remain mindful of others, slow down and be courteous.”

The City of Prince Albert told paNOW they had received “a little bit of feedback about the changes, some positive and some negative,” and in terms of safety “the intersections downtown are well below the standard that warrants a traffic light to control the safe flow of traffic.”

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow