Vancouver mulls over enforcing a 30 km/h speed limit on lesser roads.
In a bid to overhaul traffic safety and aim for zero motor vehicle deaths and serious injuries, the City of Vancouver is considering lowering speed limits on minor streets from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. The proposal, part of the 'Vision Zero' strategy, is being championed by recently-elected councillor Lisa Maloney.
The initial phase of this progressive plan involves the implementation of 25 neighbourhood slow zones at a cost of $350,000. However, the estimated cost for city-wide speed limit reductions over three years is approximately $14 million, primarily for the installation of slow zone signs on every street.
The report does not specify the exact neighbourhoods where the initial 25 slow zones will be implemented, nor does it state whether the costs associated with the proposed traffic changes will be covered by the city budget or if additional funding will be required.
Councillor Maloney has suggested implementing measures such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, narrower lanes, and daylighting intersections to further enhance road safety. Her colleague, Councillor Pete Fry, has emphasised the importance of these changes, stating that a human body hit by a car traveling at 50 km/h has an 80% chance of grievous bodily injury or death, while the risk reduces to about 10% if the speed is 30 km/h.
The 'Vision Zero' strategy is a traffic safety program originally adopted in Europe, and its success has been demonstrated in various European cities, as well as in New York, Portland, and Seattle, where speed limits on residential side streets have been reduced. The hope is for a unanimous vote to show support for reducing deaths and injuries on roads in Vancouver.
Councillors stress that the proposed changes will not require costly consultants, as much of the research is taken from existing data in other cities. The recommendations are based on programs around the world that have shown promising results.
The report does not mention any potential savings or benefits from the proposed traffic changes, such as reduced traffic congestion or increased pedestrian safety. Nevertheless, the city council is currently considering the proposal, with the hope that these changes will contribute to a safer and more livable city for all its residents.
- The health-and-wellness of residents may see improvements due to the proposed traffic changes aimed at reducing motor vehicle deaths and injuries.
- The science of road safety, as demonstrated in various cities globally, backs the effectiveness of implementing measures such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and daylighting intersections.
- The industry of finance could play a role in funding the estimated $14 million cost for city-wide speed limit reductions over three years, as the report does not specify the source of funds for this project.
- The nutrition and fitness-and-exercise sectors could benefit from an increase in pedestrian safety and reduced traffic congestion, which are potential outcomes of the 'Vision Zero' strategy that is currently being considered by the city council.
