More support for 120 km/h Coquihalla

KAMLOOPS, B.C. (Oct. 30, 2003) — A report that recommends hiking speed limits on parts of the Coquihalla and Trans-Canada highways is winning support from some Interior politicians.

The Canadian press reported that the study, compiled for the B.C. Ministry of Transportation by a U.S. consulting firm, advised raising the maximum speed limit in B.C. to 120 kilometres an hour from the current 110-kilometre limit — arguing drivers would obey reasonable limits. “A speed limit should be set so the majority of motorists observe it voluntarily and enforcement can be directed to the minority of offenders,” said the report’s authors. It also recommended eliminating so-called transition zones near cities.

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger was criticized earlier this year when he said speed limits could be taken off the Coquihalla Highway. He said Tuesday that drivers must drive to road conditions, not artificial limits that may not be appropriate on any given day.

— Via Canadian Press