Drivers Say Speed Trap on NW Calgary Highway Causing More Harm Than Good

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In northwest Calgary, a seemingly well-intentioned speed trap along a stretch of highway is stirring frustration among local drivers who claim it's doing more harm than good. The particular section of road in question, designed to reduce speeding in an area known for its hazards, has instead ignited controversy, with motorists arguing that it's more of a hindrance than a safety measure.

Many drivers frequenting this part of the highway, near the intersection of Stoney Trail and Shaganappi Trail, have expressed growing concerns about the trap's effectiveness. While the Calgary Police Service maintains that the purpose of the speed trap is to improve road safety, drivers are painting a different picture—one of heightened anxiety, abrupt lane changes, and sudden braking that they believe increases the risk of accidents rather than preventing them.

According to several commuters, the speed trap often forces an unnatural driving rhythm, especially for those familiar with the route and accustomed to driving at higher speeds. Regular users of the highway have shared stories of how they find themselves slamming on the brakes at the sight of the speed detection equipment, fearing a ticket, only to see the traffic behind them do the same, often in a dangerous domino effect. In an effort to avoid a fine, motorists claim they're left with little choice but to engage in abrupt maneuvers that could easily lead to rear-end collisions or other roadway incidents.

Jane McCarthy, a long-time Calgary resident and daily commuter on this road, voiced her concerns in an interview. "I've been driving this route for years without any major issues. But ever since they put that speed trap there, I've witnessed so many close calls. It's like everyone just panics. You can see brake lights ahead and then you're just hoping the car behind you reacts in time. It doesn't feel safer, it feels scarier."

McCarthy's sentiments are echoed by other frequent travelers on the route. Some argue that the section of the highway, while busy, doesn't warrant the aggressive speed enforcement it's been subjected to. They believe the current measures are overly punitive, targeting drivers who are just slightly over the limit, and that these efforts don't meaningfully address more significant safety concerns. For many, the frustration isn't just about the tickets, but about how the entire system feels counterproductive. Instead of making the highway safer, they argue, the speed trap seems to have introduced new risks into their daily commute.

Mark Dutton, another local driver, shared a similar story. "It's become a game of cat and mouse. I know where the trap is now, and so does everyone else who drives this stretch regularly. What ends up happening is people slow down drastically at the spot, and then speed right back up as soon as they're past it. How is that safer? It's just created this weird pattern of speeding, slowing down, and then speeding up again."

Calgary police have defended the placement of the speed trap, noting that the area has been the site of numerous accidents, many of which involved excessive speed. They argue that the trap acts as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to slow down and abide by the posted limits. In statements made to the press, police representatives pointed out that speed enforcement is just one part of their broader efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities across the city.

However, some driving advocates and safety experts are beginning to question whether such measures are truly effective. Studies have shown that while speed traps can reduce speeding in targeted areas, they can also lead to unintended consequences, including erratic driving behavior, increased stress for motorists, and even the creation of new traffic hazards. When drivers become more focused on avoiding tickets than on the flow of traffic or their surroundings, accidents can occur in the blink of an eye.

The debate over speed traps is not a new one. Across Canada, and in many parts of the world, these enforcement tools have long been a source of contention. Proponents argue that they serve a vital function in keeping roads safe by discouraging reckless driving. Critics, however, often counter that they are more of a revenue-generating mechanism than a genuine safety measure, particularly when they are placed in areas where speeding is not the primary cause of accidents.

In the case of northwest Calgary, drivers are calling for a reassessment of the situation. Some have suggested that instead of a speed trap, authorities should explore alternative traffic-calming measures, such as improved signage, road design adjustments, or even speed bumps in certain areas to naturally encourage slower driving. Others have advocated for a review of the speed limits themselves, arguing that certain sections of the highway could safely accommodate higher speeds without increasing the risk of accidents.

While police continue to monitor the impact of the speed trap, tensions between drivers and law enforcement are likely to persist. As more motorists voice their dissatisfaction, the question remains: Are speed traps like the one in northwest Calgary truly making the roads safer, or are they simply adding to the dangers they were designed to prevent?

For now, drivers like McCarthy and Dutton remain skeptical. "I get that they're trying to keep us safe," McCarthy said, "but it feels like they're just creating more problems. We need a solution that makes sense for everyone, not just something that ends up causing more stress and more accidents."

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the issue of speed enforcement in Calgary is far from settled. Whether through changes in policy, the introduction of new safety measures, or a reevaluation of current practices, local drivers are hoping that a better balance can be struck between safety and practicality on their daily commutes.

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