Vancouver City Council considering 30 km/h speed limit on all minor streets

Vancouver City Council is about to debate a new report that recommends that the speed limit on all of the city’s minor streets be reduced to 30 kilometres per hour.

The speed limit within the City of Vancouver is currently 50 km/h for all streets as set by the province, unless otherwise posted. Last year, the city directed staff to look at the feasibility of reducing the speed limit on all local streets that don’t have painted centre lines and are in residential areas.

The report, which will be presented July 9, says the goal is to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

“Research shows that lowering vehicle speeds from 50 km/h to 30 km/h can reduce pedestrian fatality rates from 80 per cent to 15 per cent in the event of a collision, while also reducing collisions in the first place, since stopping distances are reduced by nearly 50 per cent,” the report says.

Lower speed limits already exist near playgrounds and schools, as well as at Main and Hastings.

“Other benefits of slower vehicle speeds include significantly quieter streets and improved air quality.”

The report refers to a similar measure taken in London, England, decades ago, which saw crashes reduced by 40 per cent.

It recommends taking a phased-in approach, beginning with new signage in 25 neighbourhoods, to be completed within the next three years.

The estimated cost of setting up one 30 km/h sign and one neighbourhood slow zone sign in each of the initial 25 neighbourhoods is $350,000. To install two 30 km/h signs per block on every residential street in the city would cost an estimated $14 million.