Q: Why is the City implementing a Speed Limit Policy?

A: Based on a Council directive in 2015, City staff conducted a review of the City’s street network to develop a speed limit policy to address community safety, account for the increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists and ensure speed limits are consistent with future growth. The relationship between speed and injury severity is critical for vulnerable road users. Evidence suggests that lowering speed limits, especially in residential areas, can be effective in reducing the risk of severe injury or even death. 

Q: What are the goals of the Speed Limit Policy?

A: The Speed Limit Policy ensures the safety of all road users and addresses growing urbanization. As part of the City’s MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy, the policy will be used as a speed management tool to set appropriate speed limits throughout the City’s street network. 

Q: What roads are affected by the Speed Limit Policy?

A: The policy is exclusive to municipal roads and focuses on four areas within Vaughan’s road network: rural roadways, built-up/urban areas (inclusive of school zone areas), public laneways and select neighbourhoods. Regional roads like Rutherford Road, Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive are the responsibility of York Region. York Region’s online map highlights (in red) all the regional roads in Vaughan maintained by the Region. 

• List of affected streets in school zone areas
• List of affected laneways
• List of affected neighbourhood areas

Q: Where are speed limits changing?

The Speed Limit Policy will establish lower speed limits in built-up/urban areas (inclusive of school zone areas), public laneways and select neighbourhoods as follows: 

• School zone areas will change from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour.
• Public laneways will change from 50 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour.
• Select neighbourhood areas will change from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 kilometres per hour. 

Q: What is the timeline for the Speed Limit Policy?

A: The Speed Limit Policy was presented to Council in June 2021 and received endorsement. Implementation began in fall 2021. Speed limit changes, including installation of new signage, were completed in school zone areas as of Sept. 8, 2021, and on public laneways as of Dec. 1, 2021. Speed limit changes and signage are anticipated to be completed in select neighbourhood areas in fall 2022.

Q: How will the Speed Limit Policy be enforced?

A: York Regional Police will be responsible for enforcing speed limit compliance. City staff will continue to work closely with York Regional Police to develop both public education and enforcement strategies as both are essential components to achieve compliance.