Following actions by Boston and Cambridge, Newton is looking to lower the default, unposted speed limit from 30 m.p.h. to 25 m.p.h. Last night, the Public Safety and Transportation unanimously approved the measure, according to Ted Hess-Mahan’s facebook page (2017 meeting info is not yet posted to the city web site)
Cities and towns can now set speed limits, thanks to recent changes to state legislation. That’s the easy part. But will this actually change anyone’s behavior? Is there suddenly going to be speed enforcement, and can enforcement really be done on the scale that would ever make a difference?
I don’t know if the legal speed limit changes behavior on local residential streets, but it certainly does on interstate highways. In states where the limit is 70 (such as in the southeast) cars go noticeable faster than in states where it is 65. Most people to exceed the limit, but only to a certain degree. The same thing might happen locally – it would be an interesting experiment to measure before and after.
I’ve always felt strongly that roadway design is what drives behavior rather than regulations (posted or unposted) Build a road to look like a highway, and people will drive that way. Build a road that’s narrow and uncomfortable or with short sight distances and people will slow down, in self-interest. If a 25 mph speed limit will encourage city policies which will build more friendly neighborhood streets and villages (with the new West Newton Square designs as a model) then this is a great idea. If the council thinks they can get something for nothing, I think we’ll all be greatly disappointed.
To rephrase what Adam said, if reducing the default speed limit will lead the city to aim for 25 MPH design speeds, then it’s a great idea. If all we’re going to do is change the speed limit on the books, not sure it will do much good. Enforcement is rarely the answer.
The docket item was filed by President Scott Lennon and myself, and received a unanimous recommdation for approval from the Public Safety & Transportation Committee, with strong support from the administration. After the committee meeting, I had a brief conversation in the hall with the heads of Public Works and Transportation about including lower deafault speed limits–when they pass, and they will pass–and lower speed road design in the Transportation Strategy. Reduced speed design is incorporated into the West Newton Enhancements project in order to maximize safety for all travel modes, including motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The West Newton conceptual plan received strong community support, and I will work to make lower speed road designs part of city policy.
Sean & Adam are right–it will take redesign, not just lower limits, to actually lower speeds.
But Ted, Scott and the council should be applauded for this–admittedly symbolic–step. It means Newton’s elected officials are starting to realize that speed is dangerous, not a solution to congestion but part of the problem. I’m proud of them!