Earlier this year, the Township of Esquimalt passed a bylaw to reduce speed limits and speed signs around the township will be soon changing to reflect the updates to speed limits.
Soon, all major roads in Esquimalt will now be 40km/hr and all other roads are 30km/hr, other than some exceptions.
According to a township news release, higher speeds contribute to an increased risk of serious injuries and fatalities by reducing driver reaction time, increasing the vehicle stopping distance, and inflicting more severe trauma on victims upon impact, and lower speeds are a "major factor" in creating a pedestrian and bike-friendly environment.
Exceptions to the bylaw are Colville Road between Admirals Road and Tillicum Road, Tillicum Road between Transfer Street and Colville Road, Admirals Road between Esquimalt Road and Lyall Street, and Lampson St. between Esquimalt Road and Lyall Street.
Reducing speed in certain areas is identified as a priority action on the township’s Active Transportation Network Plan.
Township staff will be installing new speed limit signs next week, starting July 15, and the Victoria Police Department will be continuing the existing plan for enforcement and traffic monitoring.
