Effective September 1, new traffic safety measures are being implemented in the Uptowne Olds area. This includes a new speed limit of 30 km/h and a new angle parking section on the north side of 50th Street between 50th and 51st avenues.
These changes are a direct result of consultations with the Uptowne Olds business committee which requested increased safety measures for pedestrians in the Uptowne shopping district.
“We thank Town Council for listening to our concerns about safety in the Uptowne core,” said April Jemeiff of the Uptowne Olds organization. “With increased pedestrian activity in the area, this speed limit reduction adds a level of safety and security for our patrons.”
New speed limit signs have been posted in the Uptowne area and local enforcement will be conducting an education campaign in early September to inform motorists of the change.
The new angle parking on 50th Street, gives the Uptowne core an additional 16 parking spots bringing the total on that street to 34.
With increased traffic in Uptowne Olds, the new speed limit makes things much safer for pedestrians,” said Justin Andrew, Director of Protective Services for the Town of Olds. “At 30 km/h, the survival rate of a pedestrian or cyclist collision is 90 percent while at 50 km/h it is 15 percent. In a town the size of Olds, the life you are saving by slowing down is likely someone you know.”
Media Contact:
Jillian Toellner
Communications, Town of Olds
communications@olds.ca
403-507-4857