VICTORIA – B.C. Liberals need to act now on recommendations issued in a report by traffic consultant Opus Hamilton to protect residents of Cordova Bay says Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. Lana Popham

The traffic safety report commissioned in 2009 by the provincial government is calling for immediate improvements along the Pat Bay Highway at Sayward Road to reduce high collision rate. According to ICBC, there were a total of 60 crashes in 2008 – 20 of them involving “casualty” (death or injury) and 40 with property damage. The average figures from ICBC show little change year to year since 2004.

“The province needs to step up and address the safety concerns that residents have with this notorious intersection. The Opus Hamilton report was submitted to the government a year ago,” noted Popham.

Among the significant changes recommended in the report are:

• provide an eastbound to southbound right-turn acceleration lane
• construct a median on Sayward Road eastbound to restrict left-turn movement from the Petro-Canada gas station
• provide a U-Turn; improve access management for all gas station driveways
• consider constructing a backage road
• relocate the bus stops on the highway

“People from all over the province are using this highway, and are upset that the government is refusing to take action, despite these recommendations,” said Popham.

“The B.C. Liberals need to take action now to avert unnecessary tragedies in the future.”

Carole James and the New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for their broken promises, including bringing in the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.

Lana Popham

Saanich South

Lana Popham was elected as MLA for Saanich South on May 12, 2009. Lana serves as opposition critic for Agriculture.