Ponoka develops implementation strategy to lower speed limits

PONOKA -- Plans to reduce the local speed limit in Ponoka continue to move forward.

These plans call for residential speed limits to be lowered to 40 km/h on all local roads aside from school and playground zones. The idea for the change was first brought forward last October by Councillor Teri Underhill in an effort to boost traffic safety within the municipality. Since that time, Ponoka staff have developed an implementation strategy to move the plans ahead.

"The objective is to create a consistent and easily understood speed environment that improves safety for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other roadway users while supporting the long-term vision established through the Transportation Master Plan," reads a report filed by Ponoka's Director of Planning and Infrastructure Tim Schmidt.

The proposed change would establish 40 km/h as the default speed limit throughout municipal roadways within the Town of Ponoka, while major roadways, provincial highways, and other locations where a different speed limit is appropriate would continue to be signed accordingly. In order to make the change official, Ponoka will need to first update its traffic bylaw. 

"The first step will involve preparing amendments to the Traffic Bylaw to change the default, unposted speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h throughout municipal roadways," said Schmidt. "Following preparation of the amendments, Council will have the opportunity to review the proposal and determine whether to proceed with adoption of the revised bylaw."

Schmidt adds that subject to Council approval, Ponoka staff will undertake a public information and education campaign to notify residents, businesses, and visitors of the changes prior to implementation. Part of the change will require the Town of Ponoka to change a number of local signs to reflect the updated speed limit. 

As part of their work, Ponoka is also looking to modernize and simplify school and playground zone regulations. This comes as several Alberta municipalities have moved toward a harmonized approach by converting former school zones into year-round playground zones, with a consistent 30 km/h speed limit in effect daily between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.