Despite lower limits, Victoria drivers still speeding in some neighbourhoods

Victoria drivers are still too lead-footed, say city officials,and new lower speed limits aren't changing that.

Last year the municipal government lowered the speedlimitto 40 kilometres per hourin eight neighbourhoodsand 30 kilometres for a stretch of Cook Streetto protect pedestrians and cyclists.

But despite those changes speeding is still a problem:average speeds are down by about two per cent but still above posted limits,while collisions with pedestrians and cyclists are actually up slightly.

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"It's not surprising. The new speed limits have only been in effect for a year and a half it takes a long time to effect a change in behaviour," Mayor Lisa Helps told All Points West guest host David Lennam.

She acknowledges driving at 30 kilometres an hour can feel very slow, but in areas where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic it's the safe choice.

"If someone walked out into a crosswalk or a kid ran across the street to get their ball, hitting them at 40 or 50 is a lot worse than hitting them at 30," she said.

"30 feels slow sometimes, until there are people crossing the road. Then it feels like the right speed."

Helps says that moving forward, the City will focus on educating drivers about the changes and post speed-reading signs.

Some neighbourhoods might also see additional traffic-calming measures and improved crosswalks.

With files from CBC Radio One's All Points West