Lower speed limit in downtown Penticton accepted by most

PENTICTON – Residents appear to be content to slow down, be safe and enjoy the scenery in the Penticton's downtown core.

City of Penticton communications officer Simone Blais says the reaction to the recent the drop in the speed limit downtown to 30 kilometres per hour, “Hasn’t been overly surprising.”

“We’ve had some positive comments from groups that use alternative modes of transportation, like cyclists, and businesses seem to like the idea of traffic slowing down and checking out storefronts,” she says. “We’ll be working with the RCMP and the Downtown Penticton Association on education and awareness in the coming months, so that we can ease drivers into changing their habits."

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit believes the new 30 km/h speed limit will create more of a pedestrian experience for people in the downtown core.

“Penticton is a very walkable community. Slowing traffic will create a more relaxed atmosphere for those on the sidewalks and those enjoying our outdoor patios,” Jakubeit says.

The mayor also notes traffic and public safety should be the main drivers for lower speed limits.

“Increasing exposure to all the wonderful shops, services and amenities should be the secondary benefit,” he says.

Jakubeit says speed limits had been thoroughly discussed in various committees and in public input sessions prior to coming before city council.

“People still drive too fast and are oblivious to some crosswalks. We want to remind people to slow down in the downtown core."

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.