The speed limit of 50 km/hr will be lowered in three-to-five communities next year as the city looks for ways to address the speeding issue in residential areas.
Under a pilot program recommended by EFCL and approved October 6 by City Council's Transportation and Public Works Committee, the maximum speed in these neighborhoods will be lowered to at least 40 km/hr and perhaps as low as 30 km/hr.
The EFCL developed its position in response to requests received from a number of community leagues, at a workshop last June and through an on-line survey. League representatives felt the reduction in speed would create a better neighborhood environment where children can play and neighbors meet without being concerned about motor traffic. It was felt that neighborhoods with high level of walking and cycling and narrow streets will particularly benefit from the speed limit reduction.
Edmonton Office of Traffic Safety is initiating a process through which the department will identify neighborhoods for proposed reduced speed limit pilot project. Some community leagues have asked to be considered while others are still reviewing the matter.
The department intends to consult with the pilot project neighborhoods before determining the appropriate speed limit. It will also work with them to develop a traffic enforcement plan.
Interested community leagues are asked to contact Dan Jones, Senior Speed Management Coordinator, Office of Traffic Safety Dan.Jones@edmonton.ca or Shahriyar Khan, Community Development Officer, EFCL shahriyar.khan@efcl.org.
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