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Township’s speed limit strategy explained by Esquimalt mayor

Various municipalities' policies affect speed limit on Esquimalt, Craigflower roads

Re: Victoria revs up speed limit debate (News, Jan. 25)

I would like to provide a clarification for your readers regarding Esquimalt speed limits. The article provides good comment from Esquimalt engineering manager, Will Weiler. He provided some explanation to the speeds posted along Esquimalt Road.

The speed limit within the Township is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted. This is consistent with the provincial act. The speed limit is varied from this standard based on schools, playgrounds, parks, road geometry and visibility.

The speed limit on the Island Highway in View Royal is 50 km/h. It is then 40 km/h along Craigflower Road in Esquimalt, then 30 km/h along Craigflower in Victoria.

The speed limit along our portion of the road was changed from 50 to 40 km/h approximately two years ago.

This change was done in the interests of traffic calming and to help provide a safer corridor for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Discussions were held with VicPD about this change and they were in agreement that it would help.

The speed limit along Esquimalt Road within Esquimalt is 40 km/h, whereas within Victoria it is posted as 50 km/h. This was also done in the same manner and for the same reasons Craigflower Road was changed.

Consistency of speed limits within a corridor, across municipal boundaries, to the degree it is possible, would be helpful in understanding the expectations of all using the road.

Mayor Barbara Desjardins

Township of Esquimalt