City launches ‘surrey slow streets’ residential speed limit reduction pilot

Today, the City of Surrey launched the Surrey Slow Streets: Residential Speed Limit Reduction Pilot. Surrey Slow Streets is an important first step in understanding how reduced speed limits impact neighbourhood liveability, driver behaviour and safety on Surrey roads.

"We know that high speeds pose a serious danger to the driver, cyclists and pedestrians, which is why Council approved the Surrey Slow Streets pilot project," said Mayor Doug McCallum. "Starting today, speed limits in six neighbourhoods will be reduced to 30km per hour or 40km per hour. During the one-year pilot, vehicle speeds, crashes and perception of safety among residents will be monitored. If the research shows an improvement, consideration will be given to expand the Slow Streets Program to other residential neighbourhoods in Surrey."

Effective today, speed limits will be reduced in six Surrey neighbourhood zones for a period of one-year. Three zones will have 30 km per hour posted speed limits, and three will have 40 km per hour posted speed limits. Signage will indicate the new speed limits as per the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act legislation.

"As travel speeds increase, the risk of death and injury increase significantly, if you’re involved in a crash," said Shabnem Afzal, Road Safety Manager. "The faster we drive, the less time we have to react to the unexpected, which can have serious negative consequences to safety on our streets. Surrey Slow Streets reduces speed limits so we can save lives and increase the safety and wellbeing of our residents."

Lower speed limits have many benefits, such as, preventing crashes and reducing the severity of crashes that do occur, reduced vehicle noise, lower greenhouse gas emissions and increased feelings of safety for residents so they can feel comfortable walking and cycling in their neighbourhood.