Approaching Harrison on Hot Springs Rd (speed limit 80kph) there is a sign warning speed limit ahead is 60kph.Take your foot off the gas,and 200 meters ahead,you'll decelerate to the posted 60kph limit.Shortly thereafter,you see another sign indicating a 50kph zone ahead,and again,lifting your foot you'll decelerate to the new limit in the 100 meters before the reduced speed zone begins.
Just 100 meters further,and you'll see a yellow school zone sign,and on the same post a sign smaller than the previous warning/speed limit sign stating speed limit 30 kph.Unless you've vigorously braked at first sight of that sign (assuming you see it behind hydro poles etc),risking a rear end collision-YOU'RE IN VIOLATION! No warning of reduced speed ahead-no warning you're approaching a school zone,the actual school property begins just 65 meters from the sign!
If you're unlucky, as I was Jan 16,a police officer will appear from behind the bushes at Walnut St--and you'll receive a ticket for at least $196.00,and lose 3 points on your drivers licence.
I'm not writing this because I got a ticket;I support police efforts to enforce speed limits,even if it includes hiding behind bushes. I was in violation,was caught fair and square,and intend to pay the fine.I'm writing it because in over 60 years of driving,covering probably a million miles in all weather conditions,in 9 provinces,I've never had a ticket or an accident till now!Furthermore, much of that driving was for the purpose of administering Federal SAFETY laws,my job prior to retirement.I'm possibly obsessively safety conscious.I didn't sleep that night,replaying the event in my mind,wondering how on earth did I violate a reasonable and necessary law pertaining to the safety of school kids????
Next day I retraced my route several times measuring approximate distances ,and concluded that while I was clearly in the wrong,much of the problem was the inconsistent signage.I'd bet that huge percentage of visitors to Harrison,not seeing a "school zone ahead" sign--or a 30kph ahead sign,would be in violation.With the 30 kph sign virtually IN the school zone, I suggest that while it may be a huge source of revenue to ?? Harrison?-or whoever gets the money-it does VERY little to contribute to the safety of school kids!!!
To the parents of kids attending the school,I suggest you contact the village council,or whoever else is responsible,and DEMAND the school zone be greatly enlarged,and clearly posted!
Larry Tilander
Harrison Hot Springs