The Provincial government will be seeking public input on rural highway speed-limits and other aspects of highway safety, starting in November.
According to a news release, the Province’s initial technical review is already underway, and will include evaluation of research from around the world, as well as specific characteristics of B.C. highways, such as travel speed, safety history and the volume and mix of traffic.
“We want to ensure those travelling on our highways can do so as safely and efficiently as possible,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in the release, “and we’re interested in what British Columbians have to say as our review of speed limits and other important safety issues moves forward.”
Public forums will be held in communities around the province, including Kamloops, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Prince George, Dawson Creek, Vancouver, Kelowna and Cranbrook, with additional communities “added as necessary.”
The government will also be looking for input on how to reduce wildlife related crashes on rural highways, and how to ensure the safe movement of slower vehicles. Public input will be sought on corridors of concern, and best practices in signage and public education will be considered. The speed limit review will also consider the feasibility of speed-management strategies such as seasonal speed limits and speed limits by vehicle type.
The ministry will also be seeking input from the Union of B.C. Municipalities, ICBC, police and other key stakeholders. Practical recommendations from this review and a strategy for implementation are expected to be ready in early spring 2014.
Since the last review in 2003, the ministry has used the principles outlined in the report to make modifications to speed limits around the province including some increases on major highways such as Highway 1, and this review will build on the work already done. The 2003 report is available on the ministry’s website.
By: Korie Marshall
