Trucking industry likes Dawson Rd. safety zone

The trucking industry is endorsing a proposal to set up a community safety zone along Dawson Road.

Officials from the Ontario Trucking Association met this week with city representatives to discuss the issue.

Association spokesperson Stephen Laskowski said reducing speed limits and increasing fines is a good compromise.

"What we're talking about here is an alternative [to] banning traffic or finding a happy medium," Laskowski said. "Banning traffic is a very costly and inefficient [plan]."

Laskowski met with Mayor Keith Hobbs and with councillor Trevor Giertuga. Hobbs said the meeting was productive.

"Everyone is on the same page that safety is paramount," Hobbs said. "I think that we can do it if we sit down and put our heads together."

Laskowski said a community safety zone is the right choice.

"If the issue here is local citizenry want tougher enforcement on speed limits, lowering speed limits, well let's sit down and do it," he said.

Giertuga didn't respond to a request for comment from CBC News. But last month he told city council that Dawson Road residents have told him reducing speed limits hasn't worked in the past.

The committee that's studying the Dawson Road truck issue is scheduled to meet again in July to consider next steps.