WHEREAS the speed limit in cities and municipalities in BC is 50 kmh unless otherwise posted, with no differentiation between major roads and local streets; AND WHEREAS lower speeds can decrease the severity and incidence of car crashes, benefit livability and safety of neighbourhoods, improve drivers respect for neighbourhoods, and improve cyclist and pedestrian safety; AND WHEREAS in 1999 the Union of BC Municipalities passed a resolution supporting blanket speed zones in residential areas, however, removing the words in residential areas from the original resolution would simplify the process of amending the Motor Vehicle Act: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities request that the Minister of Transportation and Highways consider an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act that would allow incorporated municipalities to institute blanket speed zones.
Ministry of Transportation Municipalities have the ability to establish municipal speed limits. To do so, they must pass a bylaw and post a speed limit sign on every affected road to inform the traveling public. The City of Vancouver has met with the Ministry of Transportation Ministry about the possibility of lowering side street speed limits without having to post signs on every street. This would require a change to the Motor Vehicle Act. The Ministry expressed concerns about how the traveling public would know the speed limit if signs were not in place, and how the speed limit would be enforced. The city was asked to consult with police and stakeholders to address these issues before submitting a proposal for the Province of British Columbia to review.