Speed limits to increase on some sections of Hwy 403
The province is increasing the speed limit on the 403 between Brantford and Hamilton, and Woodstock and Brantford.
It’s part of a plan to increase speed limits on ten sections of provincial highway this year.
"These increases will cover over 36 per cent, a full 860 kilometers, of Ontario's highway network," Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation said at a news conference in Hamilton.
Drivers in Brantford, shared mixed feelings on the plan.
"I think it's fine the way it is and why increase it?" Shirley Robinson said.
"It would be an improvement. Perhaps it would actually get people to slow down, because already they are exceeding the speed limit by at least 20 kilometers an hour. If we raise the speed limit, perhaps people would be more willing to adhere to it," Jennifer Brooks said.
Highways have had faster posted speed limits before. Up until 1975, the 400, 401 and 417, and the Queen Elizabeth Way was posted at 70 miles per hour or 113 kilometers an hour. That was reduced due to the energy crisis.
"Much of Ontario's highway network was originally designed for speed limits of 110 kilometers per hour, or to safely have them with minimal upgrades," Sarkaria said.
Sarkaria said the changes help align Ontario’s speed limits with other provinces.
The speed changes are expected to begin in the summer and complete by the end of the year.
While the 401 through Cambridge is not expected to increase in speed, some drivers in Waterloo think it should.
"I think everyone is already driving at a high speed, at 120 kilometers, usually. So I don't think 110 is going to play a big difference," Mahan Sharifi said. "I think it should be province wide. I don't see an issue with that."
Some residents said it is a good idea and could lead to less tailgating and accidents.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.