The City of Lethbridge says it is taking steps to improve road safety for drivers and pedestrians. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

How the City of Lethbridge is trying to improve traffic safety

Apr 2, 2025 | 11:45 AM

An official with the City of Lethbridge says they are doing everything they can to keep drivers and pedestrians safe.

The city approved its Transportation Safety Plan a few years ago, which aims to achieve zero transportation-related deaths and serious injuries by 2040.

Manager of Transportation and Engineering Ahmed Ali says his department is working to enhance the “3 E’s”: engineering, education and enforcement.

Overall, he says the city does a good job at engineering and enforcement but could be better at educating the public about safety on the roads.

That is why the municipality will soon launch a campaign aimed at understanding Lethbridge’s “road safety culture.” It will include a survey and other forms of public consultations.

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“Each community has a unique road safety culture. Some communities might be really aware of road safety and they’re acting accordingly, and some may not be,” says Ali.

Safety around schools continues to be the top priority.

In 2024, school travel plans were completed at two local schools, which provide guidance on how staff, parents and students can ensure kids arrive to and from class safely. Ali says they are working on developing plans at another 19 elementary schools this year.

As well, almost every school in Lethbridge is equipped with rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian crosswalks, which helps drivers to see when somebody is crossing the street.

Ali says a consultant from Vancouver is helping his team to make more than 20 dangerous intersections safer.

The City recently acquired another 20 speed feedback signs that show what your speed is compared to the posted speed limit.

He adds that several smaller solutions are consistently being taken like re-striping the road, adding reflective stripes on road signs, and temporarily installing speed bumps.

Ali joined Sgt. Danny Lomness with the Lethbridge Police Service in talking about intersection safety as there have already been three collisions this year where pedestrians were injured.

Lomness says his officers are working to provide education to pedestrians and drivers as they both have a role to play in reducing collisions.

READ MORE: LPS urging traffic safety after recent pedestrian collisions

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