Calgary police officials have raised serious safety concerns about the provincial government's review of potentially increasing highway speed limits, warning that such a move sends the wrong message to motorists already prone to speeding.
Police Express Safety Concerns
Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward of the CPS Traffic Unit stated that the provincial review considering hiking speed limits from 110 km/h to 120 km/h on divided highways could encourage even more dangerous driving behavior. The officer made these comments against the backdrop of 32 traffic fatalities on Calgary roads this year - the highest number in a decade.
Woodward emphasized that speed has been a contributing factor in approximately 40 percent of these fatal collisions. When asked if increasing speed limits sends a counterproductive signal to drivers, he responded unequivocally: "Yes, it's a concern - we've got to be realistic."
The Psychology of Speed Limits
The veteran traffic officer explained the behavioral dynamics at play: "We have speed limits of 110 km/h, people will always travel 130 now. If we give them 120, will they travel 140 or 150? Yes they probably will so I'd say it will be a concern."
Woodward's concerns highlight what traffic safety experts call "speed creep" - the tendency for drivers to exceed posted limits by a consistent margin regardless of the actual number posted.
Contrasting Municipal Approach
While the province considers increasing highway speeds, Calgary has been moving in the opposite direction on city streets. In 2021, the city reduced residential speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h and is now reviewing potential reductions on collector roads as well.
This municipal approach reflects growing concerns about pedestrian safety and the relationship between vehicle speed and collision severity.
Provincial Plans and Public Consultation
The Alberta government launched an online survey on November 14, 2025, seeking public input on several transportation initiatives. The survey asks Albertans:
- Whether speed limits should increase to 120 km/h on divided highways
- Which highways should be prioritized for potential speed limit increases
- Their views on potentially banning commercial trucks from the left lane on highways with three or more lanes
Premier Danielle Smith defended the review, stating: "The speed is not set to what the road allowance is, and we're ending up with people getting tickets, getting slowed down, and problems as a result of that."
The survey will remain open until December 12, 2025, after which the province plans to conduct a pilot project testing the 120 km/h speed limit while closely monitoring its impact.
Broader Context of Traffic Enforcement Changes
The speed limit review occurs alongside other significant changes to traffic enforcement in Alberta. The province recently decided to end photo radar use on provincial highways and restrict its application by municipalities to school zones, playground areas, and construction zones only.
Provincial officials described photo radar as having been used as a "cash cow and revenue-generating fishing holes" by local authorities. However, Calgary police have countered that photo radar reduced injury collisions by 25 percent at the 20 most frequently deployed locations in the city.
The province plans to shut down approximately 70 percent of its photo radar technology as part of these changes, creating additional concerns for traffic safety officials who see automated enforcement as a valuable tool for modifying driver behavior.
As the debate continues, Albertans have until mid-December to weigh in on potential speed limit changes that could significantly impact highway safety across the province.
