Posted on 03/26/2009, 7:12 am, by mySteinbach

The speed limit on certain sections of twinned roadway in Manitoba will increase to 110 kilometres per hour effective July 1, but fines will also increase for those caught exceeding the limit, Infrastructure and Transportation minister Ron Lemieux and Attorney General Dave Chomiak announced.
 
“Increasing the speed limit is not an invitation to speed,” said Lemieux. “We are increasing the limit in a very controlled manner on two short sections of twinned highway where it is safe to do so. At the same time, we are being very clear that increasing the speed limit is not an invitation to speed and we are doing this by increasing the penalty for drivers who exceed the posted limit.”
 
“These fines, of course, will have no impact on Manitoba motorists who adhere to the speed limit,” said Lemieux.
 
Effective July 1, the speed limit on PTH 1 from the Saskatchewan border to Virden will increase to 110 km/h from 100 km/h. The speed limit on PTH 75 from the Emerson border crossing to St. Jean Baptiste will also increase to 110 km/h.
 
“These increases allow motorists some continuity when entering Manitoba from Saskatchewan and North Dakota,” said Lemieux. “We are not proceeding with any further speed limit increases at this time beyond the increases announced today. However, we will watch very closely how motorists respond to these increases and incorporate this into future highway planning.”
 
Effective July 1, fines will increase for all speeding infractions. For example, the fine for exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 34 km/h will increase between $27 and $171 depending on the degree of the infraction.
 
“Increasing fine levels acts as a deterrent and this is an effective way to encourage safe behaviour,” said Chomiak.
 
Chomiak said that increasing fines also puts a greater responsibility on offenders to pay for the administration of justice. Manitoba Justice expects to recover less than 10 per cent of its expenditures from fees and fines this year. Increased fines expect to generate $3.7 million in additional provincial revenue which will be invested into additional police, courts and prosecutors.
 
“Those who speed are breaking the law and they should be responsible for paying more for the administration of the law,” said Chomiak.