Petrolia will take a second look at the crosswalks in the downtown after Lambton County Developmental Services said painted crosswalks without lights may create “a false sense of security” for pedestrians.

On Dec. 22, a person whom LCDS supports was struck by a vehicle while crossing Petrolia Line at King Street around 8 pm. Lambton OPP say the pedestrian – who was in a motorized wheelchair – was injured and taken to hospital and a driver was charged. Nick Salaris, executive director of LCDS, says it was the second time in less than a year someone the agency supports was hit crossing the street in the downtown.

In 2019 the town looked at crossings in the downtown upgrading one at Petrolia Line and Greenfield St. The consultant had suggested removing crosswalks which only consisted of paint on the roadway – like the ones at Petrolia and King and Petrolia and Oil and Tank Streets. The consultant also recommended two more crosswalks with amber flashing lights. The chair of the LCDS board and Salaris sent a letter to the town asking council to revisit the report.

Salaris tells The Independent he believes more crosswalks with overhead flashing amber lights would be appropriate. Salaris is not clear on the legislation surrounding the placement of the crosswalks but “what I do know is that there might be a false sense of security with people that they see markings on a road, and it makes them feel safe crossing there. And in fact, maybe that’s not right,”says Salaris. 

At Monday’s meeting, town staff said money had been placed in the 2023 budget to review that 2019 consultants report and for capital if council wished to add more crossings with amber lights. 

When asked by The Independent what had changed since 2019, Mayor Brad Loosley said; “I think because of some accidents with one set of concerns for the safety. Council have to consider that during budget deliberations.” He added putting in more crossing lights would reduce the amount of parking in the downtown.

The budget discussions begin Jan. 17.