SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - In a city the size of Yellowknife, there's no need to hurry, said Mayor Gord Van Tighem about the new speed reduction on 48 Street, ahead of the turnoff to the Niven Lake subdivision.

The speed limit on 48 Street ahead of the Niven Lake subdivision turnoff was decreased to 60 km/h Monday to make the turnoff consistent with similar areas in the city. - Ian Vaydik/NNSL photo

The reduction was put into place on Monday, with warning signs indicating the speed limits are new.

The changes extend the 45 km/h speed limit from 49 Avenue to just past the Niven Lake subdivision entrance and reduce the speed limit between the Highway 3 and 4 intersection and the Niven Lake turnoff to 60 km/h from 70 km/h.

The change is consistent with the rest of the city, said Van Tighem.

"It's the same thing on the other side of Old Airport Road. It used to be 60 km/h all the way out, but now it phases out when you get into the congested areas," he said.

"Anything that sort of phases people down (is good)."

Bob MacNeil, who lives in Niven, said although he doesn't see a need for speeds of 70 km/h in that area, he doesn't think the change was necessary.

"I've never seen a problem there because they have the divided highway at the turnoff," he said.

The Department of Transportation made the change as the result of comments received from residents in the area, Yellowknife MLAs and in consultation with City public works, said Earl Blacklock, a representative

from the department.

The new speed limit will make the area consistent with other areas in the city that have a residential turnoff, making it safer for the increasing number of drivers living in the Niven Lake subdivision, said Blacklock

For the first couple of weeks, bylaw will be handing out warnings to drivers speeding through the area, said Doug Gillard, manager of municipal enforcement.

"We are going to be more tolerant," he said. "It's going to be an educational process."

Gillard said that doesn't mean it will be a "free-for-all."

"It's only if they're travelling above the new posted speed limit. If they're speeding excessively where they'd be getting a ticket at the old limit,

then they can expect to get a ticket."

People who are pulled over more than once for speeding through the area can also expect a ticket, said Gillard.

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