Local speed limits slashed across town streets, now no faster than 30 kilometers per hour.
In a proactive measure to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, Longueuil will lower the speed limit on its residential streets to 30 km/h, starting January 1st, 2023. This decision comes after Montreal and Quebec earlier adopted similar changes, as reported by Henri Ouellette-Vézina on Tuesday.
At a press conference with council members and the Monteregie Public Health Department, Mayor Catherine Fournier announced this safety-focused initiative. Fournier emphasized that this measure would "significantly reduce the risk of serious accidents." Additionally, the city will combine this change with permanent improvements to protect the most vulnerable road users, particularly children, seniors, and pedestrians and cyclists.
Prior to implementation, the project was recommended by Longueuil's Sustainable Mobility Commission. A regulatory modification must be presented to the municipal council, but, given Fournier's party's majority, this is expected to be a formality.
Longueuil also plans to build a hundred speed humps annually across the city, commencing in the summer of 2026. These will mainly be installed in residential areas to enforce the new speed limit. Furthermore, a "sector-by-sector" traffic calming program will be implemented, with tailored modifications for each neighborhood's traffic and mobility challenges.
In the Maricourt-Castle Gardens sector of St-Hubert, the first area to be redesigned, signal modifications will begin this fall. These changes will include ground markings, speed displays, new signs, and permanent sidewalk extensions aimed at enhancing intersection safety. A similar approach will be applied to the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-Saint-Vincent-de-Paul sector in Old Longueuil in 2026.
Several primary schools, including Hubert-Perron, Lionel-Groulx, and Bourgeoys-Champagnat, will also receive enhancements this summer. These updates will consist of ground markings, educational speed radars, new bike paths, and additional signage to improve safety.
Pieds Québec called on the provincial government in February 2024 to impose a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h across all cities in Quebec to "save lives." Initially, the minister of transport proposed reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h near schools. However, Montreal and Quebec have yet to announce comprehensive speed limit reductions for their local streets, though they are exploring various environmental and infrastructure projects that may support traffic calming.
In light of the city's commitment to enhancing road safety, the finance department might consider allocating funds for the construction of speed humps annually, as part of Longueuil's comprehensive transportation plan. This approach could potentially boost the transportation industry's emphasis on safety and environmental concerns. The industry's support for such initiatives could also attract investments from companies focusing on sustainable and safe infrastructure solutions within the finance sector.
