Safe Speeds
Learn about Safe Speeds and see highlights of our safe speed actions.
Travel speeds are the main factor in how serious a crash will be and whether a crash occurs at all. The faster we travel, the less time we have to react to the unexpected. The risk of death and injury increases significantly as travel speeds increase.
Research shows that a pedestrian struck at 30 km/h has a 90% chance of surviving, while at 50 km/h they have only a 15% chance.
Speeds must be managed through road design, enforcement, and education and engagement efforts. Especially in areas where vulnerable road users are present or at locations where side impact and head on collisions remain possible.
Highlights of our Safe Speeds interventions include:
Slow Streets Pilot Project
In June 2021, we launched the Surrey Slow Streets: Speed Limit Reduction Pilot on local roads in six residential neighbourhoods. Speed limits were reduced to 30km/h in three of the selected neighbourhoods and to 40km/h in the others.
Automated Speed Enforcement
Automated Speed Enforcement is a technology used to enforce speed limits without putting police officers at risk. It has repeatedly been shown to reduce road deaths, injuries and collisions. By working with the Province and ICBC, who manage B.C’s Intersection Safety Camera Program, we are working to reduce the most serious collisions.
Speed Limit Review
Speed limits in Surrey are set using several factors including road geometry and land use. We will conduct a review of speed limits in Surrey using advanced data analysis. Speed limit signage will also be reviewed for consistency.
Speed Humps
Speed humps are a traffic calming tool used to help slow drivers down to around 30 km/h on Surrey’s local roads. Speed humps are used in local neighbourhoods as part of our speed reduction program.
Speed Reader Boards
Speed reader boards are intended to encourage compliance with the posted speed limit by making motorists aware of their actual speed. Surrey’s effective use of these devices has been shown to reduce vehicles speeds in many critical locations, such as school zones and road construction areas.