The Highway Traffic Board of the Province of Manitoba has jurisdiction over speed limits in the City of Winnipeg. The speed limit for all streets in Winnipeg is 50 km/h unless otherwise stated by a traffic control device. Using a widely accepted principle for setting speed limits, the 50 km/h speed limit on residential streets was set by the Board after intense studies of drivers’ speeds showed that the 85th percentile speed was approximately 50 km/h. The 85th percentile speed is a common transportation indicator, which refers to the speed 85 percent of the vehicles are traveling at or below. Using the 85th percentile speed to establish speed limits is based on the theory that the large majority of drivers are reasonable and prudent, do not want to have a collision, and desire to reach their destination in a reasonable time.

Requests to lower speed limits are an often occurrence. However, unrealistically low speed limits may cause an increase in collisions. Many studies conducted throughout North America have shown that driver's speed is mainly affected by the context of the road and not by speed limit signs. Also, some drivers will obey the lower speed limit while others will feel it is unreasonable and therefore ignore it. This creates a disruption in vehicular traffic and increases the potential for collisions between slower and faster drivers. Research has shown that when the majority of motorists travel at the same speed, the likelihood of a collision is minimized. When motorists do not travel at similar speeds, other road users, including pedestrians, will have difficulty judging the speed of approaching vehicles and hence chances of a collision are increased. Artificially low speed limits breed disrespect and will not be complied with except with extensive enforcement.

Some streets have speed limits higher than 50 km/h. Variations in the speed limit are based on many aspects that should be apparent to motorists (such as roadway width, curvature of roadway, number of traffic lanes). An engineering analysis and determination of the 85th percentile speed is used to recommend an appropriate speed limit. Posted speed limits refer to the maximum permissible speed under good road and environmental conditions.

The Manitoba Highway Traffic Act, section 95(3) states:

“No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent or in a manner that is not reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing […]”

Speed limits are intended to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of vehicular traffic. Having an appropriate speed limit accomplishes the following:

• Satisfies law requirements;
• Encourages compliance from motorists;
• Effectively separates occasional violators from the complying majority;
• Provides realistic feedback to motorists.

When residents perceive speeding as a problem on their street, it is recommended they utilize the SpeedWatch program. The SpeedWatch program is an education and awareness program designed to educate drivers about the speeds they are traveling and to prompt drivers to adjust their speed accordingly. This equipment is available for use by residents whose presence operating the equipment further adds to the message sent to drivers that speeding is unacceptable on residential streets. The SpeedWatch Coordinator may be contacted at 985-7199.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Telephone: 311
Fax: 311; (204) 942-4811
Postal address:
Transportation Division, 
100 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB, CANADA R3C 1A4