City of Kitchener begins implementation of reduced speed limits
Posted Apr 6, 2022 08:22:00 PM.
Be ready to reduce your speed, the City of Kitchener has started the phased process of changing speed limit signs.
Speeds limits in residential streets are being reduced from 50km/h to 40 km/h and school zones from 40km/h to 30km/h.
Major roadways that connect neighbourhoods or are used for travel across the city will remain at their current speed limit.
The initial plan to reduce speed limits was endorsed by Kitchener city council back in October, but the city says resident concerns truly lead the effort.
“Speeding and aggressive driving is a top concern we hear about from residents from across the city”, said Aaron McCrimmion-Jones, manager of transportation safety and policy for the city.
“Engineering studies have shown strong and direct correlation between higher speeds and the likelihood of a collision resulting in a fatality or serious injury,” said McCrimmion-Jones.
The speed changes under went a two-year pilot program that found average speeds were reduced by seven per cent or around 3km/h.
“Reducing the speed by 3km/h is a positive trend towards educating and raising driver awareness about the importance of driving calm through our neighbourhoods.” said McCrimmion-Jones.
These speed limit changes are part of a larger plan the city has adopted called the “vision zero strategy”.
“What vision zero strives to do is eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets.” said McCrimmion-Jones.
McCrimmion-Jones said the strategy is a long-term framework the city is using that involves a number of action items and reducing speed limits is just one of them. Other actions include educating residents, ongoing evaluations of how roads are operating, working with police on enforcement and engaging with residents to gauge with what they are feeling.
The sign changes will undergo a phased in approach over the next two to three years with a total estimated price tag of $550,000.
For more information on the changes and the “vision zero strategy”, visit the city's website.
