Speed Limit Reduction Pilot Program

The City of Stratford has introduced a 40 km/h maximum speed limit throughout northwest Stratford as part of a speed limit reduction pilot program aimed at improving road safety as recommended in the Transportation Master Plan.

This change follows Council’s approval of the pilot program and amendments to the City’s Traffic and Parking By-law, officially reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 40 km/h on streets within the pilot area.

New “40 km/h Area” signs will be installed at neighbourhood entrances and exits to identify where the reduced speed limit applies. The pilot area is located in northwest Stratford and is generally bordered by Huron Street, Mornington Street, McCarthy Road, and O’Loane Avenue.

Why reduce the speed limit?

Safety is the priority. Driving at an appropriate speed reduces the likelihood of collisions and can reduce the severity of injuries when collisions do occur. Lower speeds also provide drivers with more time to react and stop in an emergency. For pedestrians, the risk of a fatal outcome decreases significantly when vehicles are travelling at lower speeds.

Reducing vehicle speeds helps make streets safer and more comfortable for everyone, including people walking, cycling, driving, and spending time in their neighbourhoods. Speeding in residential areas has been identified as a key concern for residents. Each year, the City receives many requests from residents about speeding on residential streets, including requests to reduce posted speed limits.

Traffic Studies:

Engineering completed automated traffic studies in the pilot area between 2022 and 2026. These studies provide speed data on existing driving patterns before the reduced speed limit was introduced. The same locations will be studied again throughout the pilot program to track changes in vehicle speeds over time.

Stay informed and share your feedback!

We are inviting the public to take part in the conversation. A project Comments or Questions tab is available for anyone who wishes to provide feedback, and additional engagement tools will be added as the speed reduction pilot continues. Updates will be posted on this page as additional engagement tools are introduced.