Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY-CARADOC - A new Speed Limit Request Policy designed to standardize and streamline the process for altering speed limits on municipal roads has officially been endorsed by council. The policy, presented during the March 3 council meeting, aims to enhance road safety and respond more effectively to community concerns about traffic speeds.
Mark Ortiz, Director of Engineering and Public Works, introduced the policy at the council meeting, emphasizing its importance in providing a structured approach to handling speed limit requests.
The discussion that followed highlighted some council members’ concerns about the potential overlap of responsibilities with the traffic committee. Councillor Brian Derbyshire questioned whether the new policy might infringe on the committee’s duties. “Are we overstepping our limit with the traffic committee? Are we crossing any lines or doing anything that they will have a problem with?” Derbyshire asked.
Ortiz reassured council that the policy had been reviewed and supported by the traffic committee and would not conflict with its existing functions.
The policy outlines a five-step procedure for evaluating speed limit requests, which includes an initial review, detailed analysis of traffic data, and final approval by council. This method ensures that all requests are handled consistently and based on comprehensive traffic studies.
Further clarifying the role of the new policy in relation to the traffic committee, Ortiz added, “One of the recommendations, I believe, came from the traffic committee to develop a speed limit policy, and that’s the one in front of you… The staff would be reviewing the requests, doing the necessary studies to make a recommendation to council for approval. At the end of the day, council would be approving any change to speed limits or implementation of speed reduction measures.”
The policy was ultimately moved for adoption by Deputy Mayor McGuire, with Councillor Kennes seconding the motion. After a brief discussion, the policy was adopted with a majority vote from council.
This new Speed Limit Request Policy represents a significant shift towards a more regulated and data-driven approach to managing road safety in Strathroy-Caradoc.
