The City of Courtenay is rolling out reduced speeds on roads around elementary and secondary schools in the community this month.

New 40 km/h signs have been installed on roads in a 500-metre radius around all School District No. 71 schools in the City, improving safety and comfort for those who walk, roll, or drive to school and beyond.

This speed reduction initiative is part of a phased plan to roll out 40 km/h speeds on neighbourhood roads across the City over the next five years, with the goal of safer and more livable streets.

With the unveiling of the new signs, drivers are urged to take note of the changes and adjust driving speeds. The 40 km/h speed limit will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On streets with lower posted speeds, such as 30 km/h school or playground zones, the lower posted speed will be in effect during designated hours.

Reduced speed limits can improve road safety with fewer and less severe collisions, and make neighbourhoods feel more livable. When vehicles go slower, it improves comfort for everyone else on the road, including people walking, cycling or using mobility aids.

To view an interactive map of current and future phased speed limit reductions, visit www.courtenay.ca/40km