Traffic Signs and Crosswalks

City staff install traffic signs on City roads. If you see a problem with a traffic sign, report it by contacting Access St. John's.

You can also request to have staff look at traffic patterns to see if signs or crosswalks would increase safety in your neighbourhood.

Crosswalks

Pedestrian Crosswalks are safe places to cross a street. They are marked on the road and with a traffic sign. People driving must yield the right of way to pedestrians. 

Speed limits

Speeding in residential areas is one of the most frequent complaints we get. Often, we are asked to reduce the speed limit on a street to discourage speeding.

How are speed limits set?
Did you know… Research shows that transportation users will drive at a speed they are comfortable at, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Speed limits are determined largely by roadway geometry and adjacent land use. According to the Highway Traffic Act and the City of St. John's Speed Limit Bylaw, the speed limit on all residential streets in the City of St. John's is 50 km per hour unless otherwise posted.

Why isn't there a speed limit sign on my street?
The speed limit on all residential streets is 50 km per hour. Posting the same sign on all streets is not necessary. Once you drive into a residential area you should automatically lower your speed.

What can I do if people are speeding on my street?
Contact the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to report speeding. They are responsible for enforcing speed limits in the City of St. John's.

Can we get a Child at Play sign on our street?

Sometimes we get requests for 'Children at Play' signs from residents who are concerned with speeding on their street. The perception is that a sign will cause people driving to slow down. 

The City of St. John's only uses signs that are in the Canadian Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Children at Play signs are not included in the manual. Why? Transportation experts believe these signs give parents a false sense of security that the sign will protect their children from speeding vehicles. Unfortunately, experience has shown that these signs have very little effect on vehicle speeds.

Warning signs are meant to advise people driving of unusual or unexpected road conditions. There are children on nearly every residential street in the City of St. John's and therefore people driving should expect them to be there. Speeding can be controlled by regular and selective enforcement.

If you have a concern about speeding on your street, contact the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.