Unauthorized sign removed in Wilmot

Wilmot township staff recently removed a sign put up at the intersection of Bridge Street and Puddicombe Road. The intersection is currently a two-way stop and does not meet the requirements of a four-way stop. Photo courtesy of Wilmot Township

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Someone decided to take traffic calming into their own hands in the township and installed a “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” sign at a contentious intersection.

The sign, put up at the intersection of Bridge Street and Puddicombe Road, is known in the Ontario Traffic Manual as a WA-19 sign. They are installed in advance of a stop sign when a four-way stop has been changed to a two-way stop. The intersection is currently a two-way stop.

“Township staff removed the unauthorized sign to reduce driver confusion. Adding unwarranted signs at one two-way stop location and not others can create inconsistencies and increase liability. The township also must ensure that all signs are compliant with the standards of the Ontario Traffic Manual,” said Ken VanderWal, the township’s acting director of infrastructure services.

He added township staff are aware of concerns about the intersection and have conducted thorough speed and signage investigations in response.

“These investigations showed that some motorists are choosing not to stop at the intersection, despite the presence of a ‘Stop Sign Ahead’ sign with a flashing beacon, followed by an oversized stop sign with a flashing beacon.”

VanderWal explained the current signs at the intersection exceed current Traffic Association of Canada requirements, and there are no apparent visibility issues at the intersection.

“Based on these findings, it does not appear that the failures to stop at this location are due to a lack of signage or visibility. Staff have also determined that the intersection does not meet the conditions for a four-way stop, and they do not anticipate that a four-way stop would change driver behaviour at this location.”

He said staff continue to review policies and procedures as well as the applicable legislation to ensure driver information is appropriate and consistent. VanderWal added the safety of drivers and other road users is always top of mind.

“Township staff take the safety of motorists and pedestrians seriously and will continue to work with the Waterloo Region police for enforcement, while investigating other options for improving safety at this intersection.”

Residents with concerns about traffic in Wilmot are encouraged to reach out to the engineering and corridor management technologist at 519-634-8519 ext. 9264.