Skip to content

Doran Road in Midhurst set to become community safety zone

'The intent is not to apprehend speeders, but just to encourage them to slow down and drive with caution,' says councillor
2021-03-24 Jack Hanna LJI
Springwater Township Coun. Jack Hanna stands at the bend in Doran Road in Midhurst that will soon become a community safety zone with permanently reduced speed limits.

Doran Road will turn into a red-light district in the coming months, when brake lights from cars, buses and trucks shine brightly as the new community safety zone takes effect.

“My thinking is by establishing this as a community safety zone, it lets the residents and the motorists know that Springwater considers the safety of its residents a priority,” said Coun. Jack Hanna, who received unanimous approval for his recommendation at Springwater Township council March 17.

“The intent is not to apprehend speeders, but just to encourage them to slow down and drive with caution,” he said.

Doran Road cuts through the centre of Midhurst with the new safety zone dropping the speed limit to 40 kilometres per hour from Finlay Mill Road to Highway 27 permanently.

Hanna, a retired Ontario Provincial Police officer, quoted the Ontario Highway Traffic Act Section 214.1 at the council meeting, listing the criteria for a safety zone includes if the road is near parks, playgrounds, seniors, schools, pedestrians or has a speeding issue.

“I would suggest that this section of the road meets every one of those criteria,” Hanna said.

Additionally, community safety zones are monitored for 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, Hanna said.

“It’s better for enforcement and serves the message that you have to drive with caution at all times,” he said. 

The motion will be brought to council April 7.

Cheryl Browne, Local Journalism Initiative, Barrie Advance



Comments

If you would like to apply to become a Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.