UCP backbencher proposes higher speed limits for Alberta highways
An MLA with the United Conservative Party feels increasing speed limits on the province’s highways would improve the commutes of Albertans without sacrificing safety.
Spruce Grove-Stony Plain MLA Searle Turton introduced Bill 213, the Traffic Safety (Maximum Speed Limit for Provincial Freeways) Amendment Act, on Wednesday. If passed, the bill would set the maximum speed limit for many provincial freeways at 120 kilometres per hour.
Turton says he introduced the bill after conducting extensive research that showed increasing speed limits would better synchronize driving speeds between posted limits without leading to safety concerns for drivers.
“Bill 213 would allow motorists to use our freeways at the speeds they were designed and engineered for, and match posted speed limits with the realistic speeds commuters follow. Evidence shows this would make our freeways safer,” Turton said. “This bill, if passed, would keep people moving in a safe and thoughtful way.”
