Raising speed limits

ERO number
019-0165
Notice type
Bulletin
Act
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990
Posted by
Ministry of Transportation
Bulletin posted
Last updated

This notice is for informational purposes only. There is no requirement to consult on this initiative on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Learn more about the types of notices on the registry.

Bulletin summary

The Ontario Government is exploring new ways to improve traffic flow and safety on provincial highways by introducing three speed limit pilots. We would like your feedback on raising speed limits on highways in the province and the raised speed limit pilots. Please visit our survey to give us your opinion.

Why consultation isn't required

The Ministry of Transportation is not prescribed under the Environmental Bill of Rights Act, 1993 to consult on regulations. The purpose of this posting is to provide general notice to the public and solicit feedback.

Bulletin details

Description of bulletin

Three sections of highways are planned as pilot locations in Southern Ontario where the highway speed will be posted at 110 km/h starting on September 26, 2019:

  • Highway 402 from London to Sarnia
  • the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) from St. Catharines to Hamilton
  • Highway 417 from Ottawa/Gloucester to Ontario/Quebec border

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is exploring options for a fourth pilot in Northern Ontario.

Safety is the government's number one priority and each pilot location was carefully chosen based on a number of factors, including its ability to accommodate higher speed limits. Our government is adding extra safety measures such as increased signage and messaging. We are also protecting the safety of drivers by keeping the stunt driving penalties at 150 km/h. This means in the speed limit pilot zones, the stunt driving penalties will apply at 40 km/h over the posted speed limit, not the usual 50 km/h over.

The pilot will be in effect for two years.

The objectives are to align Ontario with other provinces that have increased speed limits over 100 km/h on selected roads and to safely align posted speed limits with operating speeds.

Results from the pilot and all feedback received during consultations will be carefully considered as a part of the final decision-making process.

Public consultation

Online survey

Let us know what you think about raising speed limits on highways. Please click on the link below to complete our survey by November 23, 2019: https://www.ontario.ca/form/survey-raising-speed-limit-ontario-highways

By mail

Please include the ERO number for this notice bulletin to the contact if you submit comments by mail. Please submit your comments by November 23, 2019.

Daniel Prelipcean
Ministry of Transportation
Provincial Traffic Office
301 St. Paul Street, 2nd Floor
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7R4

Supporting materials

View materials in person

Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.

Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.

Provincial Traffic Office
Address

301 St. Paul Street
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 7R4
Canada

Connect with us

Contact

Katerina Downard

Phone number
Office
Ministry of Transportation - Environmental Policy Office
Address

777 Bay Street
Suite 700
Toronto, ON
M7A 2J8
Canada

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