The Chief Engineers' Council of the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) has approved national guidelines for speed display devices.
Recommended by the Traffic Operations and Management Standing Committee, the ultimate objective of this project was to establish best practices and develop guidelines for speed display device design and application in a Canadian context. The new reference document will help encourage uniformity throughout Canada and should be used in conjunction with TAC's Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada.
Guidelines will be provided for:
WSP Canada Inc. conducted the research work for this project.
Funding partners include Alberta Transportation; British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure; Manitoba Infrastructure; New Brunswick Transportation and Infrastructure; Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; Ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l’Électrification des transports du Québec; Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure; Yukon Highways and Public Works; Insurance Corporation of British Columbia; Halifax Regional Municipality and the cities of Calgary, Kelowna, Montreal, Ottawa, and Surrey.
A notice will be posted on our website once the publication is released in the TAC Bookstore.
Background
Dynamic speed display signs are being used in many jurisdictions across Canada. The devices display the speed of passing vehicles, typically along with a sign showing the posted speed limit. Intended to increase driver awareness of speed limits and to provide instant feedback to motorists by displaying the actual speed being travelled, the devices have been found to be effective shortly following installation. However some devices used in the field present excessive distraction potential and may not achieve their intended goal. The design, application and use of speed display devices are not covered by any current TAC guidelines.
If you have any questions or need more information, email Craig Stackpole.