OTTAWA Ottawa s transportation committee unanimously approved a plan that would lower speed limits in parts of Vanier, Sandy Hill and Lowertown to 30 km/h. The plan allows the city to create gateway zones to lower the speed limit on several streets in those neighbourhoods. The lower speed limits are an important tool to prioritize slower speeds in residential areas to make them more livable, Rideau-Vanier councillor Mathieu Fleury said in a report prepared for Wednesday s committee meeting. All residential areas and community associations are asking for lower speeds in residential streets. As residential streets are redone it is the unique time to implement the permanent measures. We have seen a number of tools implemented through the neighbourhood seasonal traffic calming measures that allow for warmer months measure to be in effect. In this frame of mine, posted lower speed limits do set the tone for more livable residential areas.