At the regular meeting of the Coteau-du-Lac municipal council on Tuesday, February 11, elected officials adopted a by-law to reduce the speed limit on rue Principale and chemin du Fleuve. In a few months' time, motorists will have to travel at 30 km/h on rue Principale and 40 km/h on chemin du Fleuve. 

The decision was based, among other things, on a traffic analysis carried out earlier in 2024 using radars installed on these two arteries. The readings obtained from the devices showed that road users on these roads were travelling at speeds in excess of 60km/h, most of the time and in most cases. 

The recommendation to reduce the speed limit to 30km/h on rue Principale and 40km/h on chemin du Fleuve was forwarded to the municipal council by the traffic committee made up of elected representatives and citizens. 

At the January 14 meeting, Councillor André Legros explained the background to this recommendation. "Many pedestrians along these streets are concerned, as there is a bike path and sidewalks on both sides. Vehicles frequently brush against them. There are also school zones in these areas, which means that many children use them on a daily basis. It would be a shame if an accident were to occur."

When asked to vote for or against the adoption of this resolution, District 1 representative Alain Laprade spoke out against the speed limit change. “I don't believe that lowering the speed limit on these two arteries will cause motorists to change their habits and drive slower.” 

Another elected official, District 6 representative Patrick Dellforge, also spoke out against the resolution. “For me, if this resolution is adopted, it will be a perfect opportunity for police officers to hand out more tickets to our citizens.” 

Adopted by the majority of elected representatives, the by-law will come into force over the next few months, with speed signs being installed on the arteries concerned.

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