York regional council approved reducing speed limits at six locations on regional roads to minimize severe collisions and enhance public safety.
Reductions include:
- Woodbine Avenue from Metro Road North to Lake Drive East in Georgina — 50 km/h to 30 km/h
- Highway 27 from 230 metres south of Oliver Emerson Avenue to 100 metres south of King-Vaughan Road in King — 70 km/h to 60 km/h
- Weston Road from 210 metres north of King Road to 80 metres south of 16th Sideroad in King — 80 km/h to 70 km/h
- Dufferin Street from Lloydtown-Aurora Road/18th Sideroad to 325 metres north of Wellington Street West in King — 80 km/h to 70 km/h
- Dufferin Street from 145 metres south of Wellington Street West to 15th Sideroad in King — 80 km/h to 70 km/h
- Ninth Line from 100 metres north of Bethesda Road (south intersection) to 564 metres south of Bloomington Road in Whitchurch-Stouffville — 70 km/h to 60 km/h
To notify travellers of speed limit changes, speed limit signs are placed at the beginning of each changed speed zone, and for the first 60 to 90 days include a sign on top with the word ‘NEW.’
“Lower speed limits help protect all travellers and promote a safer road environment for cyclists and pedestrians,” said York Region chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson in a news release. “As more people are walking, cycling, taking transit or driving in and across our growing communities, it is important to review and adjust speed limits appropriately.”
The York Region Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan identifies speeding as a contributing factor in aggressive driving behaviours leading to collisions. This plan was approved by regional council in March 2024 to reduce severe collisions and create safer travel in the region.
“Protecting vulnerable road users is crucial as these travellers are more likely to sustain injury or death if involved in a collision,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas, chair of the region’s public works transportation services. “Consistent speed limits encourage compliance and improve safety for everyone travelling on regional roads with minimal impact to travel time.”
Speed limit revisions are recommended and approved based on principles, including industry standards and criteria in the region’s Establishing Speed Limits on Regional Roads Policy, which guides decisions for a consistent approach. The Highway Traffic Act gives regional council authority to revise speed limits under 100 km/h.
Learn more about traffic safety measures to protect the most vulnerable road users at york.ca/TrafficSafety.
