Norfolk County adjusts some speed limit zones for operational and safety reasons

Norfolk County Council has approved changes to the speed limit zones near select schools and rural roads to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and students. The changes are based on road safety reviews, resident service requests and ongoing monitoring of traffic speeds and road conditions by County staff. 

The Highway Traffic Act allows municipalities to set speed limits on roads within the urban and rural areas. The Ministry of Transportation provides guidance and best practices to help ensure roads across Ontario are designed and operated safely and consistently. 

School area speed zone changes 

The existing 40 km/h school zone speed limits will be extended near four schools to give drivers more distance to slow down when approaching areas with high student activity.  

Schools with updated school areas: 

• Lakewood Elementary School in Port Dover 
• Lynndale Heights Elementary School in Simcoe 
• Sainte‑Marie Catholic Elementary School in Simcoe 
• Waterford Public School and Waterford District High School 

Rural road speed transitions 

Some speed limit transition zones will also be changed in the following rural areas to provide a more gradual reduction in speed when entering lower-speed areas: 

• Norfolk County Highway 59 near Port Rowan 
• 12th Concession Road near Langton 

Residents are reminded that posted speed limit signs are the legal authority. Online navigation tools, such as Google Maps, may take time to reflect changes. Drivers are encouraged to watch for updated signage and follow the posted speed limits once changes are in place.