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Edmonton motorists could see the speed limit reduced at hundreds of locations as it moves to protect children near parks and playgrounds.

The city reduced the speed limit around elementary schools in 2014 and will lower the speed limit in junior high school zones this year. But 178 playgrounds and sports fields are not near schools, according to a city report released Thursday.

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Another 194 playgrounds are near schools but are not covered by the current 30 km/h school-zone speed limit. On top of that, Edmonton has 417 parks and green spaces that don’t have playground equipment.

A telephone survey of 405 Edmonton residents found 85 per cent are in favour of dropping the speed limit around stand-alone playgrounds and those beside schools.

“We should go ahead if we have that much support,” said Coun. Bev Esslinger, looking forward to debating next steps when the report goes to council’s community services committee next Thursday. “For every 10 kilometres, there’s a significant reduction in injury and fatality.”