New speed warning signs barely slow down drivers: report

A report prepared for Thunder Bay city council outlines a continuing problem with speeding on Dawson Road.

Thunder Bay city council will receive an update Monday on the impact new electronic speed indicators are having on drivers on the busy thoroughfare.

The signs show drivers how fast they are going as they approach Five Mile School from either direction. According to a report from the engineering department, some vehicles are still travelling close to 90 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.

Traffic Sergeant Glenn Porter said that's not acceptable and thatthe signs are supposed to make drivers check their speed.

"It's going to remind you that perhaps you should have been paying closer attention to that dial or digital display that's 24 inches from your face," Porter said.

It's safe to say that, if you see the sign out there, you can reasonably expect that there's some enforcement that will follow.

Thunder Bay police laid 42 speeding charges in the area between Jan and June of 2013 up from 18 in 2012 and 25 in 2011

In the report to council, the citys engineering department says the signs have reduced operating speeds on Dawson Road by about 5 km/h.

Another report will be compiled next year to determine the long-term effectiveness of the signs. After two-years with the signs in place, the city could expand the signs to more locations.