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Speed Limit Measures

TrafficCalmingNeighbourhoodSign_Toronto (1)

Lowering vehicle speeds are one of various tools to improve road safety. Higher speeds increase the severity of crashes since drivers have less time to react.  In particular, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities increase as vehicle speed goes up.  

Speed versus fatalities graph

Research studies have found that higher speed leads to more collisions involving children, who are more often injured in pedestrian and cycling injuries and casualties.  Children are usually injured mid-block, often on residential streets, and in front of their home or a park. 

In Toronto, three approaches to lowering a speed limit are possible, depending on your road class:

  • Apply for a 30km/hr Speed Limit: for local and collector roads
  • Seek a 40km/hr Speed Limit: for arterial roads or other roads with a current speed limit of 50km/hr or more
  • Advocate for a District-Wide Speed Limit Reduction: can be more effective than lowering the limit on a single street

Not sure what kind of street you have?  Check out our definitions of road classes, or search by street name, map or ward on the City of Toronto’s website.

Lower speed limits are more effective when combined with enforcement and education. A comprehensive approach that includes local Police Services and other community groups is a good idea when making speed limit changes – we provide you with some education ideas in our Toolkit.  Also, keep in mind that lowering speed limits is only one of the tools available – depending on your street’s design, traffic calming interventions may be more appropriate and effective.


Guide to Safer Streets Near Schools

  • Getting Started
  • Potential Paths
  • Speed Limit Policies
    • 30km/hr Speed Limit
    • 40km/hr Speed Limit
    • District-Wide Speed Limit Reduction
  • Traffic Calming Measures
  • Intersections and Crossings
  • Supporting Research
  • Toolkit

Primary Sidebar

Safer Streets Near Schools | 2015-2016

  • Intersections and Major Crossings
  • Other Safety Measures
  • Resources
  • Speed Limit Measures
  • Supporting Research
  • 40km/hr Speed Limits
  • District-Wide Speed Limit Reduction
  • Improve an Existing Crossing
  • Potential Paths
  • Speed Limits of 30km/hr
  • Toolkit
  • Traditional Traffic Calming Measures
  • Traffic Calming Measures
  • Introduce an All-Way Stop
  • Request a Crossing
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