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Understanding Road Speed Reduction Studies: A Resident Guide

  • Crista Cooper
  • Apr 27
  • 3 min read

When residents write to me and raise concerns about traffic speeds in their neighborhoods, myself or my staff at my direction will forward your requests to City staff for review and consideration. It’s natural to wonder how decisions about speed limits and speed reductions are made — and what goes into those decisions. This guide explains the process using a recent case study from Guyatt Road right here in Ward 11.


How Speed Limits Are Determined


The City of Hamilton, like many municipalities across Canada, uses a scientific, data-driven process to set speed limits. Specifically, staff follow the Transportation Association of Canada’s Canadian Guidelines for Establishing Posted Speed Limits (TAC CGEPS).

Speed limits are not chosen arbitrarily. Instead, a systematic risk assessment is completed, considering:


  • Road geometry (width, curves, sight lines)

  • Traffic characteristics and volume

  • Adjacent land uses (homes, businesses, schools)

  • Presence of vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists)

  • Historical collision data


The principle is simple:

The greater the risk, the lower the recommended posted speed limit.

Case Study: Guyatt Road Speed Reduction

Initial Assessment


Guyatt Road, between Trinity Church Road and Westbrook Road, had two speed zones:

From

To

Posted Speed

TAC Recommended Speed

Length

Trinity Church Road

800 m west of Regional Road 56

70 km/h

70 km/h

2,450 m

800 m west of Regional Road 56

Westbrook Road

60 km/h

60 km/h

7,000 m

Initial technical reviews indicated that the 70 km/h section could technically support that speed based on the road’s physical characteristics alone.


Collision Data Analysis

Staff reviewed five years of collision history (2019–2023):

From

To

Length

Collisions (2019–2023)

Trinity Church Road

Regional Road 56

3,250 m

7 collisions

800 m west of RR56

Westbrook Road

6,200 m

5 collisions


Key Finding: Despite being just over half the length, the 70 km/h section experienced a 40% higher collision frequency than the 60 km/h section. This pointed to a safety concern that warranted further action.


Context and Consistency

Beyond collision data, staff also considered broader factors:

  • Other similar rural roads nearby (Trinity Church Road, Golf Club Road, Fletcher Road) already have 60 km/h speed limits.

  • Consistency across the road network improves driver behavior and expectations.



The Recommendation

Based on the comprehensive assessment, staff recommended:

Reducing the speed limit on Guyatt Road between Trinity Church Road and 800 metres west of Regional Road 56 from 70 km/h to 60 km/h.

This change is intended to:

  • Encourage safer driving speeds

  • Align Guyatt Road with neighboring rural roads

  • Improve consistency and safety for all road users


Following Council approval of the necessary bylaw amendment, new speed limit signs will be installed.


Understanding the Full Process


When residents request a speed limit review, the process typically includes:


  1. Request Receipt: Concerns are documented and referred to Traffic Engineering staff.

  2. Technical Assessment: Staff assess the road using TAC CGEPS guidelines.

  3. Collision Analysis: A detailed review of five years of collision history is completed.

  4. Contextual Review: Staff examine nearby roads for network consistency.

  5. Recommendation Development: Based on the data, formal recommendations are prepared.

  6. Council Approval: Proposed changes are brought to Council for decision.

  7. Implementation: If approved, signs are updated and the new speed limit is enforced.

Note: This process is thorough and can take several months, ensuring that any changes are based on solid evidence and community safety needs.

How Residents Can Help


If you are considering requesting a speed limit review, providing the following information can be very helpful:


  • Specific location concerns (curves, hidden driveways, school zones)

  • Times of day when speeding is most noticeable

  • Near-miss incidents or patterns you’ve observed

  • Changes in neighborhood conditions (new developments, increased pedestrian or cycling activity)


Together, we can work to create safer streets for everyone in Ward 11.


Councillor Mark Tadeson

Ward 11 Glanbrook - City of Hamilton

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