Region to lower speed limits in 31 school zones

The Region is lowering speed limits in 31 school zones along regional roads in an effort to enhance road safety. 

The decision to lower limits comes after council directed staff to review the speed limits in school zones higher than 40 km/h.

There are currently 35 school zones on regional roads, and 31 of them have a speed limit greater than 40 km/h. 

Five of the 35 school zones already display a 40 km/h speed limit and remain as such, 27 areas will be reduced to 40 km/h, and an additional four that are located along faster-moving roadways will see a reduction of 10 to 20 km/h during typical school hours.

The changes will be in effect during school hours, from Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be implemented September through June. 

“Enhancing safety on all our roads is a priority for Council,” said Tom Galloway, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Planning and Works Committee. “We know most drivers take extra care in school areas, and by further reducing speed limits during school hours, we are doing everything we can to put the safety of children, pedestrians and motorists first.”