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Motorists flaunt downtown traffic restrictions

The Nelson Police Department is stepping up its presence in the construction zone downtown as frustrated drivers start to lose their patience.
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Frustrated drivers are causing a hazard for pedestrians and construction workers downtown Nelson

The Nelson Police Department is stepping up its presence in the construction zone downtown as frustrated drivers start to lose their patience.

Deputy chief Henry Paivarinta says they’ve had “numerous complaints” of infractions and construction workers have reported several near misses and close calls.

“There have also been reported conflicts between motorists and pedestrians due to limited access and detours in the downtown core,” he says.

“Frustrated motorists are not justified in disobeying posted construction signs and traffic control devices due to this minor inconvenience.”

Paivarinta isn’t sure if anyone has been ticketed yet, but says speeding in a construction zone or disobeying a flag person carries a minimum $196 fine.

He says things have been getting progressively worse.

“In the beginning people are kind of tolerant, but as it goes on longer, they seem to be less tolerant. They just get frustrated and they’re not coping and dealing with the inconveniences very well.”

According to Paivarinta, the most common problem is people simply driving far too fast while trying to figure out how to detour around construction or find a parking space: “You lose your focus. You’re not paying attention to pedestrians or workers or even the big potholes. You’re distracted by frustration and you jeopardize other people out there.

“People have to learn to cope and deal with it a little better. It’ll be over soon, but in the meantime, it’s not worth anybody getting hurt out of frustration.”

Additional flaggers, barricades, and signs are being added to try to keep the violations in check. Police have also stepped up their presence.

“The workers gave our guys a thumbs up because they parked at one point in the construction zone to monitor it and everybody was on their best behaviour,” Paivarinta says.

Work on the downtown electrical upgrade, which has caused all the traffic rerouting, should wrap up this summer.