A researcher at the U of C is looking into the effects of the roadside memorials. On the one hand they could instil caution, on the other they could distract a driver. Richard Tay has been studying the impact on the highway, and says "there was not a big impact on traffic speed and there is also no significant impact on [the] number of crashes."

On provincial roads the tributes are clearly allowed. The city is a grey area. Though there isn't a specific bylaw which covers them, a person could be fined $300 under the Street bylaw for putting one up. In practice, according to bylaw boss Bill Bruce, the signs would be left in place until the scheduled street cleaning, if they don't appear to be causing a distraction.

Though little impact was found in the first part of Tay's study, he is moving on test it in the city. This summer he will be monitoring the traffic patterns before and after placing a fake memorial by the roadside. He does expect the impact to be more significant.

So far Tay's study is focusing on gathered data, however he is aware there is more to memorials than facts and figures. As part of his research he is asking Calgarians for their opinions. They are after all an emotional subject, for those involved in the tragic events which preceded them.

By late this summer, after compiling the data and feedback, he will offer the results to help define a policy on memorials in Calgary.

If you would like to have you say visit the website www.schulich.ucalgary.ca/survey

If you would like to hear what other Calgarians have to say, along with bylaw services, click on the link.