The Ontario government is raising speed limits to 110 km/h on an additional 938 kilometres of highways across the province, according to an exclusive report by CTV News.
New Speed Limits on Major Routes
The higher speed limit will apply to sections of Highways 401, 402, 403, 404, 409, 410, 416, 417, 427, and the Queen Elizabeth Way. The changes are expected to take effect later this year, the government said.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria stated that the move is part of a pilot project to evaluate the impact of increased speed limits on safety and traffic flow. “We are committed to ensuring our highways are safe and efficient for all drivers,” Sarkaria said.
Previous Increases and Pilot Results
Ontario first raised speed limits to 110 km/h on select stretches in 2019 and expanded the pilot in 2022. The government claims that data from those sections show no significant increase in collisions or fatalities, though some safety advocates dispute this.
The new additions bring the total length of 110 km/h highways in Ontario to over 2,000 kilometres.
Criticism and Support
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. The Ontario Provincial Police have expressed concerns about higher speeds potentially leading to more severe crashes. However, some drivers and trucking associations welcome the change, arguing it reduces travel time and aligns with limits in other provinces.
“This is a common-sense move that brings Ontario in line with neighbouring jurisdictions like Quebec and Manitoba,” said a spokesperson for the Ontario Trucking Association.
Safety Measures
The government says it will continue to monitor the pilot and may adjust speed limits based on data. Enhanced signage and enforcement are planned for the newly affected routes.
