BLUMENORT, MB
After extensive traffic studies on Highway 12 north of Steinbach this summer, the Manitoba Road Authority has decided to designate the left lane to be used exclusively by families driving excruciatingly slow and/or turning left into Blumenort at the last second from a few lanes over.
“The lane is going to be clearly marked in blue and the speed limit will be reduced to 40 km/h,” said a government spokesperson. “You must have a high-mileage minivan to enter the lane.”
The signs on the highway will be changed to encourage slow drivers to “keep left or right. It’s totally up to you.”
“I think it’ll take some time to get used to the new system,” she said, “but eventually I think we’ll see a general slow-down of highway traffic to a more reasonable 50 or 60 kms below the current limit.””
Drivers who don’t like the new system are cautioned against using the shoulder to pass someone and are warned that such an action can result in a significant fine.
“If you want to drive at normal speed, you can take the gravel roads,” she said. “Sure, you’ll get a few stone chips, but at least you’ll be freeing up some space for all the minivans.”
(photo credit: Ting Chen/CC)