New speed limits in residential areas aim to slow motorists and improve neighbourhood road safety
Kingston residents are reminded to slow down as signs posting reduced speed limits are installed in residential areas around the city.
The speed limit is being reduced to 40 km/h along most residential roads, indicated by new speed limit signs installed at neighbourhood entry and exit points. Directly in front of schools along local roads, the speed limit will be further reduced to 30 km/h.
Driving at an appropriate speed reduces the likelihood of a collision and injury severity if a collision does occur. The probability of a fatal outcome is significantly lower for a pedestrian involved in a collision with a vehicle travelling at a speed below 40 km/h compared to a vehicle travelling at 50 km/h, which is the current unsigned speed limit in Ontario.
Kingston uses a variety of municipally led programs to improve road safety, including Automated Speed Enforcement, traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, school area safety education, and cycling infrastructure projects. The new neighbourhood area speed limits are an additional tool to help reduce the number of collisions and serious injuries that can result from higher vehicle speeds.
“These new speed limits are about prioritizing safety for everyone and ensuring a consistent approach across urban neighbourhoods in the city,” says Matt Kussin,
Transportation Policy and Programs Manager at the City of Kingston. “Slowing down increases your field of vision and gives you more time to react to your fellow road users.”
The first phase of this large multi-phase project involves implementing area speed limits in approximately 25 neighbourhoods with schools over the next year and a half. Installations are currently underway in three neighbourhoods – Woodhaven, Waterloo Village and Hillendale – with installations to follow in Rideau Heights, Marker’s Acres, Kingscourt, Henderson, Auden Park and Reddendale later this summer.
Visit the Get Involved Kingston project page to learn more about the new speed limits.
Media contacts: For more information contact the communications and customer experience department at 613-546-4291, ext. 2300 or Communications@CityofKingston.ca.
Non-media related inquiries: Submit a request or question about municipal programs and services online or by calling Customer Services at 613-546-0000 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City staff will aim to respond within two business days.
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The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
