Drivers face ‘stop’ sign every 30 meters in trial in western France
Tabac owner says signs have reduced number of clients by 20%
A public meeting on the signs will be held in March
Spech/Shutterstock
A town in the west of France has come under criticism from drivers for its excessive use of ‘stop’ signs.
One road has a stop sign every 30 metres along a half-a-kilometre stretch.
Authorities in La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime) have installed the signs as part of an experiment to increase road safety in residential areas which they say has yielded positive effects.
However, some residents believe the use of the signs is excessive, and has simply led to traffic building up in other parts of the town.
The mairie will host a public meeting on the signs in March. Until then, they will remain in place.
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Debate over usefulness
One road in particular is causing issues. The avenue de Fétilly has seen 14 signs installed over a 500 metre stretch.
“There are far too many of them, it's ridiculous,” said one driver to media outlet RTL.
“People take other routes, so there is less traffic on the road now,” said another.
This may sound like good news to some but business owners say they are suffering.
“450 fewer people pass through every month which represents around 20% of my turnover. This is huge… I’m feeling defeatist,” said Florence, who owns a tabac on the road.
The mairie is backing the change.
“The speed limit [on the road] has really dropped,” said Christophe Bertaud, deputy mayor of La Rochelle to BFMTV.
“It is reassuring for a lot of residents, particularly those travelling by bike or with their families,” he added.
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