Putting the brakes on speeding on Orillia’s city streets

Community safety zone and speed limit signs will appear in Orillia over the coming weeks. Fri., April 8 , 2022. (Daryl Newcombe/ CTV London)

Pedestrians and cyclists alike can relax and enjoy their journey thanks to new Community Safety Zones popping up across Orillia.

Three new safety zones have been designated on Fittons Road East and West, Park Street and Westmount Drive South to improve road safety.

“Road safety is a top priority for our community, particularly in areas where vulnerable road users like children are present,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “By implementing permanent Community Safety Zones and moving forward with automated speed enforcement, we are taking strong action to reduce speeding and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.”

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During the next month, drivers will see new Community Safety Zone and 40 kilometres per/hour speed limit signs installed.

This initiative is meant to work with the city’s Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) program, with ASE cameras anticipated to be installed and operational by mid-June.

Together, the ASE program and new Community Safety Zones will promote adherence to posted speed limits and protect vulnerable people.

What is a Community Safety Zone?

• Unlike a School Zone, which only applies during specific times of day when school is in session, a Community Safety Zone is in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Within a Community Safety Zone, speed limits are reduced to 40 km/h at all times, and fines for speeding and other traffic violations are significantly increased under the Highway Traffic Act.