Speed display signs only slow drivers down by 1km/h: Halifax report

A speed display sign is pictured.

Halifax has installed nearly 50 speed display signs around the municipality, but on average they only slow down drivers by less than one km/h, according to a new staff report.

The report, submitted to the Transportation Standing Committee, noted the municipality distributed at least two speed display signs in each of the 16 districts years ago as part of its road safety program. The signs, which provide real-time feedback to drivers, were stationed in areas with high collision risks or visibility issues, or as part of traffic-calming efforts.

Five signs are located in school zones. The signs are rotated on a semi-annual basis to maintain effectiveness.

Each sign roughly costs $4,000.

“Analysis of program data reveals that the average speed reduction achieved by SDS (speed display sign) units is less than 1 km/h, indicating minimal impact on driver behavior despite positive public perception,” the report reads.

The report stemmed from a motion from Coun. Shawn Cleary last February asking for an investigation into a possible policy to allow councillors to buy a limited number of speed display signs for their districts with capital funds.

The report noted staff resources are under “considerable strain” to maintain the current sign program. They are investigating ways to improve the scheduling of sign installations and relocations, along with leveraging other resources to “minimize the impact of the program.”

“Given the limited impact and high level of effort required to sustain the program, staff recommend maintaining the current SDS inventory without expansion at this time,” the report reads.

The Transportation Standing Committee will discuss the report at their meeting on Thursday.

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