A Richmond resident is worried that tragedy will strike if drivers continue to ignore a right-turn-only intersection in his neighbourhood.
Up to 100 cars can be seen violating traffic rules at the Alexandra Road and May Drive intersection each day, according to long-time resident Ken Waldman.
The intersection, on the east end of Walmart’s outdoor parking lot, does not allow drivers to continue through Alexandra Road.
According to the signs and islands installed at the intersection, drivers must make a right turn onto May Drive.
During a 10-minute period on a quiet Thursday morning, the Richmond News observed 10 cars ignoring the sign, either continuing through Alexandra Road or driving past the right-turn islands to make left turns.
“A lot of people don’t care what the signs say,” said Waldman.
He told the News the neighbourhood has a lot of condos and young families, and he has seen “many accidents” at the intersection. He worries things will get worse if the rules are not enforced.
Not only is he concerned about young pedestrians who might get hit by vehicles taking unexpected routes at the intersection, he is also worried cars will just speed down Alexandra Road.
In fact, one of the 10 cars the News observed ignoring traffic rules at the intersection had in fact sped down the block after swerving past the median blocking its way.
“Somebody’s going to get killed,” said Waldman.
According to ICBC crash data, 13 crashes have been recorded at the intersection between 2018 and 2022.
Waldman thinks installing a traffic camera and a radar trap would help enforce the traffic violations in the area.
However, he told the News he’s been “bounced around from pillar to post” trying to contact someone to fix the issue.
He has tried to call the Richmond RCMP’s non-emergency line, the City of Richmond and even the Minister of Transportation, all to no avail.
“I did all the leg work and contacted everyone only to be blocked with ‘Not my job,’” he said.
Clay Adams, City of Richmond spokesperson, confirmed the city received Waldman’s complaint earlier this year.
Staff had informed Waldman about previous enforcement efforts and told him they would undertake “some enforcement” related to the right-turn-only island in the following days.
However, said Adams, speeding and red light or speeding cameras are under provincial jurisdiction and not something the city can look into.
“City staff passed his concerns along to the RCMP and ICBC for potential enforcement and speed monitoring,” he added.
Back at Alexandra Road, Waldman hopes drivers can follow the signs, even if it means they have to take extra time to get to their destinations.
“At least it will be safe,” he said.
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