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
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
After more than 100 years, Newfoundland's unknown soldier returns home
An unknown Newfoundland soldier, who fought and died on the battlefields in northeastern France during the First World War, is back home this weekend for the first time in more than a hundred years.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
Indianapolis 500 starts after 4-hour rain delay with Kyle Larson in the field
The Indianapolis 500 started Sunday after a rain delay of four hours with NASCAR star Kyle Larson still at the track and in the race.