On Wednesday December 14, Prince Edward County Council was faced with a backlash over its seeming authorization of six speed reducing bumps on a Cherry Valley section of County Road 10.

A multitude of residents turned up at their regular council meeting to make comment that speed bumps are or will cause hardship in the form of damaged vehicles (especially farm related equipment without suspension systems), increased vehicle congestion, and general havoc. Some vehicles were even observed driving on the nearby sidewalk to avoid the speed bumps. Their comments where in the wake of an online petition that had already reached over 500 signatures calling for the removal of the bumps.

Bloomfield/Hallowell Councillor Brad Nieman responded that Council originally authorized the construction of speed “humps,” and not bumps which are supposed to be considerably less elevated than what was installed.

The Cherry Valley speed reduction pilot project was intended to be the first instance of a wider County effort to get speeding under control, while working with limited OPP speed enforcement resources.

Given the fervor of those opposed to it, an emergency motion tabled by Athol Councillor Sam Branderhorst, calling for their removal.

An amending motion calling for the deferral of the decision to next week’s Special Council meeting was narrowly defeated before the main motion passed.

Listen to the full story below: