Kitchener-Waterloo

Speed limits lowered in front of Kitchener elementary schools

On Monday night, city council voted to lower speed limits to 40 km/h in front of most elementary schools. Signs will be in place in time for the return to school in September.

City council voted to lower speed limits to 40 km/h in front of most schools by September

Speed limits in front of Kitchener elementary schools will be dropped to 40 km/h starting in September. (John Van Dusen)

Speed limits in school zones will be lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h following a decision by Kitchener councillors.

Monday night's decision will cost $38,000 to replace signs in front of 38 elementary schools across the city. The new signs will be in place by September.

Changes will not be made in front of schools that are located on what is considered an arterial road.

Kitchener followed in the footsteps of Cambridge and Waterloo, which already have 40 km/h limits in front of schools.

"Kitchener's new speed limits will help to send a consistent message to drivers in all three municipalities," the city said in a release.

Each school will be informed of the decision and will help communicate changes to the school community, the staff report said. City staff will work with staff at schools "in providing a clear and consistent message of expectations of motorists in school areas in terms of rates of speed."