The speed limit in an East Richmond neighbourhood could be slowed down to 30 km/h.
In response to ongoing speeding concerns in the Hamilton neighbourhood, city staff is recommending reducing the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h on smaller neighbourhood roads in the area.
Furthermore, the city is looking to install shoulder delineators along Westminster Highway in front of the Cranberry Children's Centre.
ICBC crash data for the past five years showed a total of 117 incidents recorded in the neighbourhood with 82 per cent of these incidents taking place along Westminster Highway.
Speed studies were done at 10 locations within Hamilton -- except on Westminster Highway at Gilley Road, a main intersection.
In particular, a speeding issue was identified on Westminster Highway in front of Cranberry Children's Centre with most vehicles recorded travelling between 65 km/h and 87 km/h, and the highest speed recorded at 150 km/h.
While there is no extra cost for reducing the speed limit, there is a cost of $20,000 if the City of Richmond decides to install the delineators, which would funded through the council-approved 2023 Traffic Calming Program.
"Research on vehicle speeds and road safety show strong correlations between lower speeds and improved safety," reads the report.
"Lower speeds reduce crash occurrences and crash severity. Research also indicates that speed limit reductions are effective in reducing actual speeds for local roads."
Hamilton resident Jason Li, who has been advocating for more speed control in the neighbourhood, said city staff's recommendations to limit the speed in addition to monitoring them is a good start.
"I think these are sensible recommendations and hope they get adopted by the council," said Li.
Another resident Lori Williams previously told the Richmond News that increased trucks have also added to speeding issues on Westminster Highway.
"I think the best thing would be stopping trucks from coming through Hamilton," said Williams.
Williams, Li and other residents have been advocating for commercial trucks to be redirected away from Hamilton and to take Highway 91A as an alternative route between New Westminster and Richmond.
Because Westminster Highway is on the Lower Mainland region's major road network, "implementation of such restriction would require further public engagement and coordination with TransLink," said a staff report.
The plan to reduce the speed limit in Hamilton is coming to the city's public works and transportation committee meeting next Wednesday.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
