July 4, 2025
RED FM News Desk
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver City Council is set to debate a new report recommending that the speed limit on all of the city’s minor streets be reduced to 30 kilometres per hour. This potential change aims to significantly enhance pedestrian safety and reduce collisions.
Currently, the default speed limit within the City of Vancouver is 50 km/h for all streets, as set by the province, unless otherwise posted. Last year, the city directed staff to examine the feasibility of lowering the speed limit on local residential streets that lack painted center lines.
The report highlights that “research shows that lowering vehicle speeds from 50 km/h to 30 km/h can reduce pedestrian fatality rates from 80 percent to 15 percent in the event of a collision.” It also notes that reduced speeds inherently decrease collisions, as stopping distances are nearly halved.
Lower speed limits are already in place near playgrounds and schools, as well as at Main and Hastings streets. The report emphasizes additional benefits of slower vehicle speeds, including “significantly quieter streets and improved air quality.”
To support its recommendations, the report references a similar measure implemented in London, England, decades ago, which resulted in a 40 percent reduction in crashes.
The proposal suggests a phased-in approach, beginning with new signage in 25 neighborhoods, with full implementation expected within the next three years.
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