'Absolute cash grab': Winnipeg residents upset with construction zone speed trap
The province is building an interchange at St Mary's Road and the South Perimeter Highway to help traffic flow better, but some drivers who live in the area aren't happy with how speed limits are being enforced in a portion of this construction zone.
"I think it's an absolute cash grab," said Mason Gobert.
Gobert lives off St Mary's Road south of the Perimeter. He and other residents question why the speed limit has been dropped to 60km/h on the stretch and why a mobile photo enforcement vehicle is there when no construction is taking place in the area.
Gobert also said the signage is hard to see at night.
"They were moving them around a lot too. They never seem to stay in one spot, they would kind of change the size of the zones and there was no immediate construction getting done," he added.
Area city councillor Markus Chambers said he's received complaints from area homeowners who say there is not enough advanced warning or illumination of signs at night.
"I've heard from about four residents in my area that they've been unfairly ticketed," said Chambers.
The speeding fines issued at the spot are double the cost since it is a construction zone.
Chambers is asking city and provincial officials to make changes if necessary to ensure construction workers are safe and drivers are clear on the rules.
"It's only fair to motorists that there is proper signage and proper lighting around that signage to let them know that they should be reducing their speed," he said.
The City of Winnipeg tells CTV News it reviewed the designated construction zone signage and that the contractor will be making what it calls minor adjustments to them to make them more clear for drivers.
What's not clear, is if this entire portion of St Mary's Road will remain a construction zone with slower speed limits when no one is doing road work.
"I'm not against slowing down for the construction workers and for the public safety. I'm all for that. I just think it's a little unnecessary at the moment," said Gobert.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How the 2023 federal budget impacts you
The federal government unveiled its spring budget Tuesday, with a clean economy as the centrepiece, and detailing targeted measures to help Canadians deal with still-high inflation.

Walmart and Costco in Canada not making food inflation worse, experts say
Experts say the Canadian presence of American retail giants such as Walmart and Costco isn't likely to blame for rising grocery prices. That's despite Canadian grocery chain executives having pushed for MPs to question those retailers as part of their study on food inflation.
Federal government capping excise tax on alcohol after outcry
The increase in excise duties on all alcoholic products is being temporarily capped at two per cent starting next month instead of a planned 6.3 per cent increase.
Budget 2023 prioritizes pocketbook help and clean economy, deficit projected at $40.1B
In the 2023 federal budget, the government is unveiling continued deficit spending targeted at Canadians' pocketbooks, public health care and the clean economy.
Budget 2023 proposes across-the-board 3 per cent spending cut for government departments
The federal budget proposes an across-the-board three per cent spending cut for all departments and agencies, a belt-tightening move after years of massive growth in the federal public service.
Hamilton family raising awareness about Strep A after sudden death of toddler
A Hamilton, Ont., family is hoping to raise awareness about Strep A after the tragic death of their two-year-old.
Meat from extinct mammoth grown in lab, used to create meatball
An Australian company lifted the glass cloche on a meatball made of lab-grown cultured meat using the genetic sequence from the long-extinct pachyderm, saying it was meant to fire up public debate about the hi-tech treat.
5 things to know for Wednesday, March 29, 2023
The details of 2023’s federal budget includes a projected $40 billion deficit, cutting three per cent of spending for federal government departments, and new funding for the next phase of a national dental program. Here's what you need to know to start your day.
King Charles III makes world debut as tour starts late in Germany
King Charles III will make his debut on the world stage Wednesday, three days later and 550 miles (885 kilometres) northeast of where he had intended.