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Report urges no speed reduction in residential neighbourhoods

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 01/7/2013 11:33 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 01/7/2013 11:55 AM | Updates

Winnipeg drivers may not have to further reduce their speed in residential neighbourhoods. A new city report, released this morning, recommends Winnipeg not lower the residential speed limit to 40 km/h. (PHOTO BY KRISTI ANAKA)

Winnipeg drivers may not have to further reduce their speed in residential neighbourhoods.

A new city report, released this morning, recommends Winnipeg not lower the residential speed limit to 40 km/h. The report said many studies conducted throughout North America have shown that driver speed is affected by the context of the road and not by speed limit signs.

"Lowering the posted speed limit in isolation without concurrent changes to the physical characteristics of the road can have negative consequences," the report said. "Speed limits that are inconsistent with driver expectation can lead to driver frustration."

In September, council's public works committee voted to review whether Winnipeg should lower the posted speed limit on two-lane road in residential neighbourhoods by 10 km/h. Such a move would require provincial approval.

Other cities such as Montreal and Edmonton have lowered the speed limit on some residential streets. An administrative report said a study in Montreal concluded there was no significant difference in the average speeds after reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. Similarly, the report said the results of a pilot project in Edmonton were inconclusive.

Council's public works committee will review the report at a meeting this Friday.

History

Updated on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:55 AM CST: photo added

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