Drivers on Guildford Way in Coquitlam will face new traffic rules this fall, with the city banning right turns on red at three busy intersections. The changes are intended to improve safety along the corridor, which sees heavy use by students and commuters traveling to Glen Elementary, Pinetree Secondary, Douglas College, and the Lafarge Lake–Douglas SkyTrain station.
In a news release on Aug. 28, the City of Coquitlam said left turns are also restricted until the green arrow is displayed. The measures come as the number of people walking, biking, and riding e-scooters along Guildford Way continues to increase. The City also reminded e-scooter riders to refresh themselves on the rules and etiquette of riding safely.
Two long-term construction projects are underway on Pipeline Road between Guildford Way and Robson Drive. Residents are advised to plan extra travel time, use alternate routes when possible, and follow traffic control signs and construction speed limits.
Up-to-date information on closures is available on the City’s Traffic Hot Spots webpage. Email alerts are also available by subscribing to traffic bulletins through the City’s NotifyMe service.
With students heading back to class next week, Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement officers and the Coquitlam RCMP will launch a back-to-school education and enforcement campaign. Officers will increase their presence around schools throughout September, focusing on educating drivers and enforcing the Motor Vehicle Act and the City’s Street and Traffic Bylaw.
Drivers are reminded:
– The speed limit is 30 km/h in school zones between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on school days, and in playground zones every day from dawn to dusk.
– Do not stop or park within a crosswalk or within six metres of one.
– Pickup and drop-off zones are for a maximum of three minutes while actively loading or unloading passengers.
– Yield to pedestrians at all intersections.
– Leave phones alone and avoid distracted driving.
“Community safety is a shared responsibility, and every person driving, walking, biking, or riding a scooter must follow City of Coquitlam bylaws and B.C. Motor Vehicle Act laws,” the City said in the release.
