Modern Mississauga presents Ask The City: I've seen many new speed limit signs that say "AREA" on them; What does that mean?

Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.” We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.
Today’s question is about the new speed limit signs in neighbourhoods. 

I've seen many new speed limit signs that say "AREA" on them; What does that mean?

The “AREA” sign indicates that the speed limit applies to the entire Neighbourhood or Area. You will need to maintain the speed limit indicated at the entry point to that area until there is another sign to let you know that it’s ended or there’s a new speed limit sign indicating otherwise.

As speed is a contributing factor in approximately one third of all fatal collisions, the City has been lowering speed limits in Mississauga neighbourhoods to make residential streets safer for everyone using them. These changes, which are part of the City’s Neighbourhood Area Speed Limit Project, help to advance the City’s commitment to Vision Zero. Mississauga is working to prevent fatalities and serious injuries due to collisions on our roadways.

Instead of reducing speed limits street by street, neighbourhood area speed limits establish a reduced speed limit for an entire neighbourhood. Neighbourhood speed limits are being lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h across the city. New signs are installed at the entrances and exits at all neighbourhoods which indicate when the neighbourhood area speed limits are in effect. 

In addition, the City is also lowering Neighbourhood School Zones from 40 km/h to 30 km/h. Similarly, new signs are installed to indicate when the new School Zone speed limit is in effect. Community Safety Zones are also being established in all school zones where fines may be doubled. 

To date, speed limits have been lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h in 77 neighbourhoods. More than 130 School Zones have also been lowered from 40 km/h to 30 km/h. Work will continue in 2022 to lower speed limits in all residential neighbourhoods across the city.

If you’re looking to see which neighbourhoods and school zones are completed or coming soon, access the interactive map.

Please send your questions to info@modernmississauga.com with “Ask the City” in the subject line.