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Strong case for roundabouts

Editor: Re: Roundabouts, not traffic lights, letter to the editor, Dec. 2 I was reminded of the subject of public safety yesterday after witnessing a serious crash at a Ladner Trunk Road intersection.

Editor:

Re: Roundabouts, not traffic lights, letter to the editor, Dec. 2

I was reminded of the subject of public safety yesterday after witnessing a serious crash at a Ladner Trunk Road intersection.

Adrian Wightman's letter also reminded me there might be some outstanding opportunities to improve our traffic situation and the safety of our residents going forward utilizing roundabouts. The arguments for the use of roundabouts seem very compelling.

As Delta is a leader in innovative solutions, I respectfully request Delta council consider the following information:

. According to ICBC stats, 41 per cent of vehicle, 53 per cent of pedestrian and 55 per cent of bicycle accidents occur at intersections.

. Statistics show headon and right angle crashes (main cause of injury and death) completely disappear at roundabouts.

. Heavy pedestrian traffic is handled more safely with roundabouts.

. Traffic flow is greatly enhanced. Benefits are better movement of traffic, fuel savings and a reduction in air pollution of up to 42 per cent.

. Roundabouts do not necessarily require more space to construct than signalled intersections and do not require the huge expenditures required for overpasses.

(Many of these facts come from the Insurance Institute of America.)

There are several existing intersections that instantly come to mind that could benefit from the installation of roundabouts, including:

. The planned reconstruction of the Arthur Drive and Ladner Trunk Road.

. Highway 10 and Hornby Drive.

. The proposed intersection of Highway 17 and 52nd Street as shown in the plans for the Tsawwassen First Nation development.

. Highway 17 and 56th Street in Tsawwassen.

Cecil Dunn