The government of B.C. is reviewing speed limits on longer stretches of provincial highways between communities, and will be seeking public input starting this November as part of the process.
Public input, along with information gathered through a technical review of provincial highways, will be considered to identify areas where speed-limit changes would be appropriate.
The initial technical review is already under way. This work includes an evaluation of the latest research from around the world, as well as specific characteristics of B.C. highways, such as travel speed, safety history and the volume and mix of traffic.
People will be able to have their say on rural highway speed limits at public forums in communities around the province (including Cranbrook and Kelowna), as well as through social media and online feedback.
At the same time, government will be seeking public input as it reviews how to reduce the risk of wildlife-related crashes on rural provincial highways, and reviews how to best ensure the safe movement of slower vehicles.
Practical recommendations from this review and a strategy for implementation will be ready in early spring 2014.
This review will build on the work done during the last review in 2003. The 2003 report is available on the ministry’s website at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publications/eng_publications/speed_review/index.htm