Dear Editor:
Lately, I have noticed an increase in trucks on Royal Avenue. I thought that allowing the trucks on Royal Avenue was just a plan. Now, it has been implemented.
I have recently read coverage of this situation.
There are some issues and comments that are disturbing to me.
To redirect the truck route to Royal Avenue was deemed more viable connection to Sapperton:
? If the trucks are rerouted to Royal Avenue from Front Street, how can it be a viable connection to Sapperton? From Royal Avenue, they have to turn right on McBride and turn left on Columbia to Sapperton. From Front Street, don't they have just to go straight to East Columbia - no turning left or right? If I am mistaken, I stand corrected.
? How about the steepness of Royal Avenue to and
PUBLISHER Brad Alden . EDITOR Pat Tracy . ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie MacLellan . SPORTS EDITOR Tom Berridge . REPORTERS from Stewardson Way? Will this pose any risk for the trucks during winter and snowy days?
? Royal Avenue is the main route of cars going to Burnaby, Surrey, Highway 1 and so on. We are already bombarded by toxic gas and fumes from them, and adding insult to injury, the trucks will be rerouted to Royal Avenue, which will add more pollution.
This will also add more traffic on Royal Avenue. Even though hours of operation for trucks will be restricted, in reality there will be added toxic gas and fumes, and traffic.
? Royal Avenue is a residential street; Front Street is not. Now, we cannot walk down Royal Avenue without inhaling more toxic gas and fumes, especially on rush hours, and we will also have to contend with more heavy traffic and noise.
I am not sure whether any of the decision makers to reroute the trucks live on Royal Avenue.
There was or is a plan to build a school on the old Saint Mary's Hospital site. Wouldn't the increase in traffic and pollution be risky for the children?
I moved to New Westminster and have lived on Royal Avenue since 1995. I have lived in other cities but I love New Westminster. I plan to live here for many, many years. I hope I will continue to breathe less polluted air. Oh, my poor lungs!
Catalina P. Trinidad, New Westminster
