Dear Editor:
Re: Detour: Residents foil ratrunners, The Record, April 9.
Nice to see the residents of Victoria Hill celebrating their victory. Nice to see the city police helping them by installing a "no left turn" sign and actually enforcing it! Sure would be nice if the residents of First Street got the same consideration!
I am a lifelong resident of New Westminster and a 25-year resident of First Street. We also finally got a "no left turn 3 to 7 p.m." sign at the end of First Street many, many years ago. I have never seen this sign enforced, in spite of numerous calls and complaints to the police.
Every evening between 4 and 6 p.m., and often beyond, we have a steady stream of cars lined up, usually far beyond the entrance to Queens Park. We always have our driveway blocked, as well as the noise and congestion of cars turning left to get onto the Pattullo Bridge. Every night.
I can't imagine how an ambulance or fire truck could get to any of the residents here during this time. Now, we will get all the traffic from Victoria Hill as well. I'm particularly upset that the police were there to enforce the new sign when they have never enforced the sign here, in spite of phone calls and complaints.
First Street is the entrance to Queen's Park and one of the prettiest streets in New West, often the first impression visitors have of our beautiful city. Often you can't get in or out of the park. To me there is no sense even putting up a sign if it's not enforced. It is certainly not enforced here on First Street.
The residents of First Street should count as well!
Gail Di Pietra, New Westminster
