Dear editor,

I was very pleased to see the turnout Tuesday for the open house regarding the proposed truck route on 208th Street.

Somewhere between 400-500 concerned citizens took time out of their busy lives to voice their concern and write detailed comments about the proposed plan to allow trucks on 208th Street.

The people who attended ranged from young married couples and their children, to seniors - some who have lived in Langley more than 75 years.

All came to the meeting pumped to stop this plan based on how it will forever change their neighbourhood.

For years now I have been asking for a traffic light at 208th Street and 83rd Avenue, and repeatedly I have been told there are no plans for a traffic light or a roundabout at that corner.

Two years ago, I spoke to Paul Codero at Township hall about my concerns regarding the traffic increase on both 83rd Avenue and 208th Street, which was occurring and expected,increase once the Golden Ears Bridge opened.

As predicted it has done so.

The traffic increase coming from Glover Road, up 216th Street, which turns into 83rd Avenue, travels well above the speed limit.

Getting to 208th Street is a problem presently not being addressed.

Once the cars reach 208th Street, they are brought to a stop by a traffic jam. I have repeatedly witnessed cars jolting out in front of "speeding" traffic onto 208th, often causing drivers to slam on their brakes to avoid an accident.

My concern now is what if a truck is behind a car, will they be able to stop? I think not.

The cars along 208th Street are often filled with mothers and their children returning or travelling to Willoughby Elementary on 80th Avenue.

Public safety is being put at risk.

This neighbourhood was designed to increase density and should not be subjected to a truck route.

I want to thank the Councillors Kositsky, Fox, Ferguson, Dornan, Ward and Mayor Rick Green, who took their time out to attend and Coun. Richter who has been very supportive to concerned citizens - but could not attend as she is out of town visiting her elderly mother.

For the councillors who attended, I hope they took notice of the 400-plus petition signatures collected that evening alone against 208th being used as a truck route, and also of the one in support.

I understand that more than 1,800 signatures have already been turned into the mayor. Please consider the impact that such a change will have on the community that lives along 208th Street, and others who use it, when this matter comes before council.

Sonya Paterson, Willoughby