Reduced speed limits coming to Vaughan public laneways

As part of the City of Vaughan’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users, speed limits on all public laneways are decreasing to 30 kilometres per hour – the previous limit was 50 kilometres per hour. This move – the next step in the Speed Limit Policy – is currently being implemented with new signage being installed throughout Vaughan to indicate the reduced speed limits. It is anticipated this work will be complete by Dec. 15, 2021.

This speed limit change on laneways comes after limits were reduced in all school zone areas (PDF) in Vaughan in September, the first step in the City’s Speed Limit Policy. Approved by Council on June 2, 2021 (PDF), the policy sets and adjusts appropriate speed limits throughout the City’s street network to continue to help ensure a safe community for all road users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, and address growing urbanization.

The policy is exclusive to municipal roads and focuses on four areas within Vaughan’s road network: rural roadways, built-up/urban areas (including school zones), public laneways and select neighbourhoods. Evidence suggests that lowering speed limits, especially in residential areas, can be effective in reducing the risk of severe injury or even death due to a motor vehicle collision.

For more information and updates on the City’s Speed Limit Policy, visit vaughan.ca/SpeedPolicy.

Vaughan’s Speed Limit Policy is part of one of four programs in the City’s MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy (2022-2026), which focuses on road safety and citizen engagement. MoveSmart sets the direction and priorities for the next five years while ensuring an efficient, reliable, safe and sustainable transportation system for everyone who works, lives in or visits Vaughan.

On March 10, 2021, Council endorsed MoveSmart, reinforcing the City’s commitment to Transportation and Mobility – a strategic priority in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan (PDF). It focuses on improving the municipal road network, enhancing road safety and supporting more cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to create fully connected and integrated communities. The strategy will be reviewed and updated every five years. Progress on its implementation will be reported annually to Council. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/MoveSmart.

Reducing speed limits is just one step in helping to keep roads safe. The City reminds pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to be alert, follow the rules of the road and walk safely. Take extra precautions around crosswalks, pedestrian crossovers, stopped school buses, schools and intersections.

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