A driver using a remote section of Westminster Highway in east Richmond appears to have taken exception to new, centre-of-the-road warning signs.
Bolted down in the middle of the street, east of No. 9 Road and west of Graybar Road, the “30 km on school days” signs sit directly outside the Choice School for the Gifted.
The signs — the first of which was tested near a central Richmond school two years ago and is designed to flex if hit by a vehicle — appear to have been deliberately sheered off just above its bolted-down base.
According to Richmond RCMP, the signs were last seen intact on Jan. 26, after only being installed early in December last year.
“It looks as if someone has mechanically sheered off the sign,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang, Richmond RCMP spokesperson.
“If it had been damaged by accident, or even deliberately, there would most likely be signs of that, such as debris. But there was nothing like that. Our speculation is that some people maybe don’t appreciate the sign.”
The City of Richmond said two signs were installed at the site in order to "address the high rate of speeding that had been recorded through this school zone."
The city was planning to carry out a speed study in the early spring to evaluate the effectiveness of the signs in reducing vehicle speed in the school zone.
The city also believes the signs were deliberately removed. "I have been in contact with the school and they are of course very disappointed that someone would do this," said city spokesperson Ted Townsend.
"The principal (at the school) indicated to me that although the signs did not completely eliminate vehicle speeding, they were definitely making a difference."
City staff plan on purchasing and installing two more signs. "We are hoping that with increased awareness and vigilance, that the vandals will not strike again," added Townsend.
"If that is the case, we will work with stakeholders to consider other traffic calming options for this school zone."
