After lengthy discussion Tuesday, Edmonton’s City Council ultimately voted against changing the speed limit on a major river valley roadway.
Councillors voted 7 to 6 against a motion to increase the speed limit on Scona Road, from 50 kilometres per hour to 60 kilometres per hour late Tuesday morning.
The decision came after years of debate, and two hours of discussion ahead of the vote in council chambers Tuesday.
Changing the speed limit was an idea supported by Councillor Bryan Anderson.
“There’s a whole lot of people that feel comfortable on that road, that are going to be paying out of pocket for a speed limit that doesn’t suit the road,” Anderson said.
A number of councilors said increasing the speed limit would send the wrong message to drivers – as speeding is a problem on city roadways.
“We need to take the opportunity, we have to get people to slow down which is all the community is asking for,” Councillor Ben Henderson said.
Scona Road has become notorious for photo radar, with some, including Councillor Anderson, calling it a cash grab.
“There’s a lot of money to be made on Scona Road,” Anderson said.
The debate over the roadway has become a source of frustration for Mayor Don Iveson.
“I’m frustrated that we had this debate again, given the commitments made to the community and maintain pedestrian safety at the top of the hill, this is the best decision in a complex situation,” Iveson said.
The final decision came from a lack of information; the councilors who voted against the motion said there was not enough reason to justify the change.
Meanwhile, a report about photo radar and if it’s being used correctly is expected from the Transportation Department in July.
With files from Ashley Molnar
