Regional 40 km/h Pilot Project

Image of a 40km/h sign in Victoria

The City of Victoria is working with municipalities across the Capital Region to explore a three-year 40 km/h default speed limit pilot project. We are looking for input from local residents, regional stakeholder groups and agency partners on the pilot project.

Research shows that lower speeds and slow streets can improve road safety and the quality of life neighbourhoods. This pilot project, should it go ahead, will lower the default speed limit to 40 km/h from the current 50 km/h on streets without a continuous yellow centre line. These are primarily residential streets and lanes.

Changes would not affect the existing 30 km/h limits in school zones, playground zones or designated streets with lower posted speeds.

Other municipalities that are also considering participating in this regional pilot are:

  • District of Saanich
  • District of North Saanich
  • Town of Sidney
  • District of Central Saanich
  • District of Oak Bay
  • Township of Esquimalt
  • Town of View Royal
  • City of Colwood

Reducing the speed limit on residential roads is not intended to shift focus away from safety improvements in high collision areas. It works as a complementary initiative to create a more enjoyable streetscape and reduce the number of overall collisions across our community.

We welcome your thoughts on slower streets and reducing the speed limit to 40 km/h on neighbourhood streets within the City of Victoria and the region. Staff will prepare recommendations to City Council later this fall regarding participation in the regional pilot project including your input and insights from agency partners and other community stakeholders.

The opportunity to comment will be open until October 30.

The City of Victoria is working with municipalities across the Capital Region to explore a three-year 40 km/h default speed limit pilot project. We are looking for input from local residents, regional stakeholder groups and agency partners on the pilot project.

Research shows that lower speeds and slow streets can improve road safety and the quality of life neighbourhoods. This pilot project, should it go ahead, will lower the default speed limit to 40 km/h from the current 50 km/h on streets without a continuous yellow centre line. These are primarily residential streets and lanes.

Changes would not affect the existing 30 km/h limits in school zones, playground zones or designated streets with lower posted speeds.

Other municipalities that are also considering participating in this regional pilot are:

  • District of Saanich
  • District of North Saanich
  • Town of Sidney
  • District of Central Saanich
  • District of Oak Bay
  • Township of Esquimalt
  • Town of View Royal
  • City of Colwood

Reducing the speed limit on residential roads is not intended to shift focus away from safety improvements in high collision areas. It works as a complementary initiative to create a more enjoyable streetscape and reduce the number of overall collisions across our community.

We welcome your thoughts on slower streets and reducing the speed limit to 40 km/h on neighbourhood streets within the City of Victoria and the region. Staff will prepare recommendations to City Council later this fall regarding participation in the regional pilot project including your input and insights from agency partners and other community stakeholders.

The opportunity to comment will be open until October 30.

Page last updated: 13 Dec 2023, 10:09 AM