Brampton Approves Pilot Program to Reduce Speed Limits in Select Residential Areas

The Brampton City Council has given the go-ahead for a pilot programme that would reduce the speed restrictions in some residential zones in an effort to improve community safety and reduce traffic accidents. As a result of the scheme, some city routes will have their 50 km/h speed restrictions decreased to 40 km/h. Five neighborhoods—Royal Palm Drive, Mount Royal Circle, Elbern Markell Drive and Royal West Drive, the vicinity of Westbrook Drive and Riverstone Drive, and the southwest corner of downtown—will see the implementation of the plan.

The action comes in response to an increase in Brampton residents’ requests for traffic services in 2021 and 2022, when more than 2,400 complaints were made.

Most of the requests were related to speeding and reckless driving on residential streets, which prompted the City to take action to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance road safety.

Although 50 km/h is the provincial limit for towns, cities, and villages, local governments have the power to set lower limits in particular areas. The Brampton City Council thought about lowering the limit even further, to 30 km/h, but eventually decided that without additional traffic calming measures, a lower restriction alone would not be beneficial.

For the roads in the test, city staff will suggest bylaw adjustments, with new traffic signs costing around $12,500.

Prabhnoor Kaur