While the speed limit on Barton Drive is clearly posted, many drivers have taken that to be a suggestion rather than a rule. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

‘It’s like a raceway almost’: Barton Drive residents call for help to deter speeders

May 16, 2022 | 9:00 AM

Kevin Isbister is very concerned about the amount of speeding occurring along his street.

“The street is very long so its like a raceway almost. There’s vehicles, you know they are going highway speeds, you can hardly see them go by the front window,” he said, when interviewed by paNOW on Friday.

Isbister estimated people are speeding everyday, adding the more extreme incidents are happening every two to three days. And based on the number of basketball nets in peoples’ driveways, it’s not uncommon to see youth playing near the street.

“Lots of neighbours have young families,” Isbister added.

When paNOW spoke to other residents on the street, one man estimated some vehicles were travelling up to 100km/hr. Another concerned resident, who asked to remain anonymous, has started a petition.

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He explained there were nine incidents in April related to excessive speeding, five in May, and 21 since October, 2020.. The man said he would like to see some form of traffic calming measures.

Ward 6 Councillor Blake Edwards told paNOW he was aware of the petition, and added the speeding concerns along Barton Drive go back a long time.

“It’s something that I’ve raised in council, there were some studies done, but the community continues to have some concerns,” he said.

Edwards explained there’s evidence of multiple, individual vehicles going too fast along a narrow road.

“Police can’t be there all the time obviously, they’re a busy group, so I think maybe there’s some temporary measures we can take a look at,” he said. “But that has to be a council decision and nothing is before council at this moment.”

When asked if other streets in the ward had raised concerns, Edwards confirmed he had received a few calls but added the residents along Barton have been the most vocal.

“That certainly raises the attention level,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell