Correspondence from K. & L. Gilbert - Roundabout at Erskine
Resident letter expressing disappointment over the replacement of a promised roundabout with a traffic light.
Elena Bolster
Subject: FW: roundabout at Erskine
From: Kathleen Gilbert
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2023 3:30 PM
To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca
Cc: Sid Tobias
Subject: roundabout at Erskine
Dear Mayor and Council,
I am very disappointed to hear that Council has decided that a traffic light will replace the promised roundabout on the corner of Erskine and Watkiss. I understand that you have now found out that a circle will not fit into the space. The question has to be asked, why after two years are we just now finding this out? When this issue came to Council years ago I was undecided about which option I preferred. However, after doing some research I found out that a traffic circle is far better than a traffic light for many reasons.
According to The Traffic Research Foundation: “At intersections, the most severe types of crashes are T-bone, left turn, and head-on collisions. Roundabouts reduce opportunities for these types of crashes as well as the speed of impact; research shows 75% fewer crashes occur at roundabouts than at traditional intersections with lights. “ Crashes that occur at intersections with lights are far more likely to result in injury and death than those in traffic circles.
“Traffic circles are actually safer than traffic signals and stop signs? This is because roundabouts use curved approaches that reduce vehicle speed and oblige drivers entering it to yield right-of-way to vehicles already in the roundabout. The counter-clockwise flow of traffic around a central island also minimizes conflict points (i.e., opportunities for collisions). Lower speeds make it easier for drivers to yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrian traffic because less stopping distance is needed. In addition, the circular shape greatly reduces the likelihood of angle or T-bone collisions which are common at intersections, and which increase injury severity.”
Source: Transportation BC, How to Safely Use Roundabouts in BC
After viewing the proposed drawings of the traffic light plans, I am concerned about several things. First, there is only one lane exiting Erskine Lane. If someone at the front of the line of those 133 cars leaving in the morning is turning left how long will it take to clear the traffic? If there is a bike lane will right-hand turns from Erskine be allowed on a red? If not, again traffic will be backed up.
I did hear Mayor Tobias’ concerns about a car leaving the roundabout and flying into someone's yards. I think research will tell you that a T-bone accident at an intersection with cars travelling at 50 or 60 ks is more likely result in cars flying into yards than a rear-end bumper collision at 10 or 20 ks.
I encourage Council members to read this short article: https://tirf.ca/blog/roundabouts/
I look forward to hearing why an oval roundabout is not feasible. I do appreciate that if we do get stuck with a traffic light everything possible will be done to keep traffic moving out of and onto Erskine lane.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kathleen & Larry Gilbert
68-14 Erskine lane