FAQs

Safety is the priority. Speed limits are an important aspect of traffic safety because speed is a factor in the frequency and outcome of every collision. Reducing speeds on our residential streets make our streets calmer, quieter, and safer for people walking, biking, driving, and enjoying their neighbourhood. 

Travelling at a slower speed gives a driver more time to react, broadens their field of vision, and reduces the severity of crashes when they occur. It also gives others, including cyclists and pedestrians, more time to react to an approaching vehicle and increases their safety while using our sidewalks and streets creating a more comfortable environment for active modes of transportation, builds community trust, and creates livable neighbourhoods. 

A 2018 study from the City of Edmonton found a 45% reduction in fatal and severe injury collisions when speed limits were reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h in school zones. In addition, injuries to vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) were reduced by over half (55%). Reducing driving speeds in residential neighbourhoods can also help Slave Lake residents feel safer and more comfortable when they travel around Town, whether they choose to walk, cycle, or drive. 

Changes to speed limits in neighbourhoods will only apply to residential and some collector roads. Residential roads are the roads in front of most houses, typically have no centre line, and have less traffic. Collector roads also have residences, schools, business, and green spaces, and also typically have a centre line (Caribou Trail, Main Street) however, there are no proposed speed reductions for either Main Street or Caribou Trail. There are also no proposed changes to provincially managed highways (Highway 2, Highway 88) as that is outside of the Town's jurisdiction. 

Most residential roads in the Town currently do not have speed limit signs. As this change is to the default unposted speed limit, the Town will not be installing new signs on more residential roads. New signs will be installed on the highways entering into Town (in cooperation with the province) notifying motorists of the unposted speed limit. 

The Town will work with the RCMP and Peace Officers on an education and awareness campaign. Some collector roads will remain at 50 km/h (Main Street), during the initial phases of the rollout enforcement services will be taking an education first approach when the new speed limit comes into effect on residential roads, this approach will slowly transition into enforcement as time goes on and residents are made aware of speed reduction.