St. John’s city councillors Ian Froude and Shawn Skinner are defending the decision to hire outside engineers to help make city roads safer.

In-house staff used police data to compile a list of the places you’re most likely to have an accident while walking, driving, or on a bike. They include Rawlins Cross, Kenmount, and Thorburn Road, as well as Kelsey Drive at Kiwanis Street.

The next step is to come up with ways to make those areas safer, through another study by an outside engineering firm.

It’ll cost taxpayers $100,000 but Councillor Shawn Skinner says it’ll be worth every penny.

He says it’s one of the few times he believes it is necessary to spend money on outside consultants, given the importance of the work.

Skinner says in-house staff are more than capable but already “inundated” with other major projects and constant requests.

The city has not yet chosen a firm for the work.