Strong opinions on the speed limit issue were heard in Weyburn City Council Monday night.

Mayor Marcel Roy wants to see a city-wide speed limit of 50 km/hr imposed, to keep up with bigger centres and ensure there is a smooth transition from city to city. Not everyone shared his view, however.

Councillor Winston Bailey said he would never support a 50 km/hr city-wide speed limit.

"Most of the people that come and do business within our city, out of small towns Fillmore, Stoughton, all around us, they're all at 40 kilometres an hour," stated Bailey. "We aren't changing the world to be faster. What do we gotta be faster for?"

Councillor Brad Wheeler seemed to prefer a 40 km/hr speed limit throughout the city but was open to some change. He said although he was in favour of increasing the speed limit to 50 km/hr on main arteries, he didn't think it was safe on residential streets. As for the school zones, he said he's heard from some residents that slowing to 30 km/hr has been more of a distraction than anything, as they are more concerned with their speedometer than watching for kids.

"So that in itself is a hazard to the kids," said Wheeler. "And I tend to agree. I know when I hit those zones I'm looking at my speedometer to make sure I'm in compliance."

Councillor Jeff Richards said the many four-way stops in the city did more to hamper traffic flow than the 30 km/hr school zones.

"We have a love affair with four-way stops in our community and that really does slow traffic down, I think, more than a drop down to 30k for two or three blocks," stated Richards.

Youth Mayor Louise Pascua was vocal on the topic. She said a poll at the Comp found students agreed with the 30 km/hr school zones but time limits needed to be in place for when school was out.

City Manager Mathew Warren concluded the discussion, saying City administration will come back with recommended school zone times and speed limit recommendations to be discussed at their next meeting.