Vaughan is reducing speed limits from 50 to 40 km/h in school zones this September

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 12, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

The City of Vaughan said Aug. 6 that it's reducing speed limits from 50 to 40 kilometres per hour in school zones this September to ensure full safety.

The city also said that “new signage is currently being installed in all these areas throughout Vaughan to remind citizens of the reduced speed limits and is anticipated to be completed by Sept. 8, 2021.”

The city said the changes impact areas near 146 schools.

The decision dates back to June 2, when council approved its new amendment to Bylaw 284-94, changing speed limits to 40 km/h in schools zones, 30 km/h speed limits for public laneways as well as setting 40 km/h for neighbourhood areas.

In 2017, the Safer School Zones Act, or Bill 65, amended the Highway Traffic Act, which allowed municipalities greater liberty in setting speed limits within their borders and the use of automated speed enforcement systems and red-light camera systems.

In a recent tragic incident, it is alleged a Richmond Hill teen driver struck and killed two children at their Vaughan home’s driveway in May. The city said that residents have highlighted motorist speed is one of the city’s key traffic issues.

“Evidence suggests that lowering speed limits, especially in residential areas, can be effective in reducing the risk of severe injury or even death due to a motor vehicle accident,” the city said in its release.