These might be three words to keep in mind as the rest of the summer season rolls out, hopefully without much more rain to dampen the spirits.
Consideration pleas could extend to those who continually insist on attracting attention to themselves by operating obnoxiously loud vehicles. The noise pollution takes the form of either outlandishly hurtful stereo systems they feel must be shared through rolled down windows, or ridiculously loud exhaust units usually attached to big trucks and motorcycles, but not necessarily restricted to those types of vehicles.
We wish that the Estevan Police Service had the capabilities of not only monitoring these damaging noise violators, but also charging them.
Edmonton's police service, we understand, now owns eight ditial noise monitors whose readings will stand up in court, much like the breath analyzer units work in testing those who have consumed alcohol.
The Edmonton police report that the device is simply deployed behind the exhaust systems of the potentially loud machines and a reading in excess of 92 decibels results in a $250 fine for the first offence. The measurements are taken while idling and during acceleration. They report that 17 per cent of the vehicle owners who were stopped, were charged successfully. These digital devices are now rolling out to other cities.
We hope the Estevan Police Service have a couple of them listed for purchase in their next budget. The cities that have brought these new "sound monitors" state they will have the beefed up bylaws in their books by the end of June.
In the meantime, we can only hope and wish that those who insist on invading quiet summer times in their neighbourhoods, do so infrequently, not regularly.
Respect and consideration are also operative for those who use firepits in the fine summer evenings. Excessive use can trigger respiratory problems nearby. Keep it in mind. The fires probably don't need to be fueled throughout the entire night. Using dry firewood is also preferable over burning garbage and household debris. It's just a neighbourly thing to do along with ridding your yard of excessive junk or standing water which only attract rodents and mosquitoes.
Patience must be exercised by local residents who are seeking an end to infrastructure work along our streets and avenues. Mother Nature has not been co-operative this year. Water and sewer line replacement programs, construction plans, pot-hole filling and excavation work has been delayed and even halted numerous times thanks to the recent rains that have come frequently and in high volumes.
Everybody hopes and should expect to enjoy some reasonably good outdoor time this summer so let's keep our community in mind as we step out to do a little singing, dancing, partying and travelling. Get out and do it, just don't be invasive in the process.
