Lower speed limits create other problems

Re: “Esquimalt begins three-year process of installing signs for lower speed limits,” July 14.

Can someone explain how these speed limit reductions on major feeder routes reduce greenhouse gases emissions?

I understand the concept of trying to make roads safer by lowering speed limits but it only causes more problems as folks are stuck in gridlock throughout not only Esquimalt but elsewhere as well.

Thanks to earlier speed zone reductions and numerous constructions sites in Esquimalt, commuter traffic typically starts at 5:30 a.m. as folks are heading to Dockyard and Naden.

By 2 p.m., good luck trying to get in or out of Esquimalt, and that doesn’t even take into account the school buses when the kids are in school.

With climate change happening regularly, these speed zone reductions are counterproductive in reducing greenhouse gases as everyone sits in traffic with their engines idling while they wait to move a few feet ahead.

And how are emergency vehicles suppose to respond to calls when they too are stuck in this quagmire, especially when there are no longer spaces for motorists to pull over?

Add to that, whenever possible a number of motorists typically ignore the speed signage and travel the original posted speed of 50.

I’ve even seen police officers ignore the speed limit and travel 50 in a 40 zone. So where is the common sense in all this?

Yes, by all means reduce the speed limits in residential neighbourhoods. But please leave the major feeder routes alone.

Shirley Waldon Esquimalt