Royal Avenue residents are fighting for their homes

Re: Shut up about traffic - or move, Letters to the Editor, the Record, Jan. 21.

When I moved to Royal Avenue 15-plus years ago, there was a fire station at the corner of Royal Avenue and  Eighth Street, and St. Mary's Hospital on Royal Avenue. I knew that there would be fire truck and ambulance sirens on Royal Avenue. 

There were also some  trucks  because, at that time, they could still use the Port Mann Bridge. I knew about  these and was OK with it. By the way, I also lived by Lougheed  Highway where there was heavy traffic. I knew about the noise from the traffic and did not complain.

My questions about fire trucks and ambulances: How many are there vs. big trucks that pass on Royal Avenue? How often do they pass on Royal Avenue vs. big trucks? Do they emit pollutants from diesel fuel used by big trucks?

After the tolling of the Port Mann Bridge, traffic and pollution increased tremendously.  The noise from the sirens from the Glenbrook station and noise from the bus stop do not happen continuously every day Monday to Sunday from morning to afternoon; truck traffic on Royal Avenue does.

So, T. Usher, why don't you move on Royal Avenue and experience first-hand the noise and pollution that we are experiencing. Why don't you walk in  our shoes? Experience is the best teacher!

How would you like to be told to move out of your home? This is our home, and we will be fighting for it. Wouldn't you do the same to protect your home for you and your loved ones?

C. Trinidad, New Westminster