To the editor,
On the news, commentators and officials comment about an accident waiting to happen.
We have our own accident waiting to happen: in Nanoose Bay when it’s clamming season and personal harvesting is allowed.
Up to 50 cars parked along the 90-kilometres-per-hour section of the highway and not enough room on the roadside to open the driver’s or backseat doors safely for themselves or the safety of the passing vehicles. The number of families with little children and seniors is amazing and they are all in a very dangerous area. One person steps out in the wrong direction or one driver makes a mistake, has a flat tire or suffers a medical issue and disaster happens.
I thought I would try to make a difference and went to the Regional District of Nanaimo office, the clerk drove that way regularly and was very concerned. She attempted to reach the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure but no answer. I talked to the RCMP in Parksville. Same response: an accident waiting to happen. I was given the number of the ministry and I did make contact with them. They put me on to the local company in charge of highways in that area. The person there agreed with all the others that something should be done. One comment from him was that everyone is driving at 110km/h, not 90km/h. We both agreed that it would be the easiest thing to fix and prevent a potential disaster by putting up barriers to prevent parking. I was then told I would have to speak to a higher-up manager. I gave up.
It amazes me that we have become so restricted by bureaucratic policies and procedures in this country that we wait for a possible fatality before someone shows some courage and initiative to do the right thing. I plead for action.
Harvey Hurd, Lantzville
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press Media or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Letters policy: Letters should be no longer than 250 words and will be edited. Preference is given to letters expressing an opinion on issues of local relevance or responding to items published in the News Bulletin. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. Unsigned letters will not be published.
Mail: Letters, Nanaimo News Bulletin, 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7
Fax: 250-753-0788
E-mail: editor@nanaimobulletin.com
