Premier Ford Announces Further Speed Limit Increase on 400-Series Highways

The Ontario government has announced an increase in speed limits on 400-series highways. Premier Doug Ford revealed this initiative on Wednesday, highlighting that the new limit will now be set at 110 kilometres per hour on designated stretches of these major highways “where it is safe to do so.”

“Safety comes first over anything, and then we’ll work on the rest. But wouldn’t it be great if we could even exceed 50 kilometres an hour on the 401 during rush hour through this city? That would be incredible,” Ford commented during the announcement.

This latest adjustment follows a series of speed limit increases implemented by the government in recent years. In 2022, Ontario permanently raised the speed limits on six sections of provincial highways in southern Ontario, alongside two sections in the northern region, initially introduced as a two-year trial. Just last July, the speed limit rose from 100 kilometres per hour to 110 across ten sections of provincial highways, including key routes like Highway 401 from Colborne to Belleville and from Belleville to Kingston, as well as Highway 403 from Woodstock to Brantford and Brantford to Hamilton.

However, this decision has sparked criticism from some quarters. Ontario Greens Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy voiced her concerns, suggesting that instead of merely raising speed limits, the province should focus on providing more affordable and efficient transportation options to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.

“Our communities need two-way, all-day GO train and intercity bus services,” Clancy stated. “We also need to build communities that don’t require long commutes for work or school—this can be achieved by developing more homes in existing neighborhoods, particularly around transit hubs.”

In conjunction with the new speed limits, Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria emphasized that the province has introduced some of the toughest penalties for careless and impaired driving. “We’re taking away licenses for life, and we’re suspending people for longer periods,” Sarkaria said, reinforcing the government’s commitment to road safety amidst the changes.

The increase in speed limits comes as part of a broader strategy to combat gridlock in Ontario’s urban centers, particularly in regions where congestion is notorious. Studies show that higher speed limits can lead to increased travel efficiency, potentially reducing the time drivers spend on the road. However, safety remains a primary concern, as higher speeds can increase the severity of accidents.

According to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, higher speeds can lead to higher crash rates and more serious injuries in the event of an accident. Therefore, the government’s simultaneous focus on stricter driving penalties is intended to mitigate the potential risks associated with increased speeds.