Bridgewater Junior High’s Principal is warning people to slow down during morning drop-off.
Daphne Egilsson says they share the street with neighbouring Bridgewater Elementary and that many cars, all arriving at the same time creates a lot of congestion.
“Some cars are going through faster than they probably should be. So we’re out there everyday trying to keep an eye on it and keep the kids safe. We’re working with the town and with the police, to try and find some solutions.”
Egilsson has a suggestion to make the morning go more smoothly.
“Perhaps people who don’t find it necessary to drop kids off here in the morning, try to avoid this block between about 8:15 and 8:40. That would be the worst time for drop-offs and the most traffic.”
Egilsson says the school’s primary concern is the safety of their students.
Meanwhile, Bridgewater’s mayor says the issue comes down to a shortage of crossing guards.
David Mitchell says it’s difficult to hire people to work for an hour a day, five days a week.
He says the traffic going through at that time of day is a concern.
“If the cars that are parked are blocking the view from drivers, driving, of children, standing, waiting to cross, you do risk a child stepping out and not seeing the car, or the car not seeing them.”
Mitchell says the traffic authority has been exploring several options.
“Flashing lights, metal cut-outs of children that hold signs that say please slow down you’re in a school zone. We’re not going to leave any stone unturned. We have to solve this problem. This is the safety of our children.”
Mitchell says council will receive a report from staff at their next council meeting in two weeks.
He expects they will review their options and move forward with a plan at that time.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
