MPI fuels up speed-awareness efforts with federal money for more digital signs

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This article was published 07/02/2025 (257 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SELKIRK — It’s a time of the signs for MPI.

Manitoba’s public auto insurer is putting more digital speed displays into more communities to let drivers know how fast they’re going and, hopefully, get them to ease up on the gas pedal.

In a 2021 pilot program, MPI distributed 25 of the signs to 13 municipalities on five year-loans. Last year the program was expanded to 21 more areas, for a total of 34 communities with the flashing speed displays.

MPI was recently approved for $230,000 for more signage through Transport Canada’s Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program and is currently reviewing applications for the next disbursement of display signs.

Corporation CEO Satvir Jatana said data collection shows the signs are effective at slowing down speedsters.

Since the signs were first installed, MPI observed more than 5.5 million vehicles, and approximately 190,000 of them reduced their speed as they approached the displays.

“That’s an immediate impact on the driver behaviour,” Jatana said at a news conference in Selkirk announcing the additional funding.

MPI collects collision data at high-volume intersections, and after the signs are installed the public insurer can monitor how many vehicles are travelling through the area, at what speeds and whether they slow down.

Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson said as drivers arrive in the city from the south the speed limit drops to 50 km/h from 80 km/h and he’s witnessed cars begin to adjust their speeds accordingly.

“When they get here and they see that digital sign, you see brake lights and they slow down and that means it’s going to be safe as they travel through the city,” he said. “That’s the key to this whole project, is keeping people safe.”

According to MPI data, speeding accounts for more than one in five deaths on Manitoba roads.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said the boards, which cost about $5,300 apiece, are just one tool in the province’s box to address bad driving habits and the NDP government will continue to work with law enforcement to crack down on dangerous driving.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca