NYC to Lower Speed Limits Near Schools

The decision to lower speed limits follows the enactment of Sammy's Law, which allowed New York City to set its own speed limits. Despite the law's passage, the implementation of lower speed limits has been slow, with only 100 locations seeing reductions in the months following the legislation. The new initiative aims to accelerate this process, with the city planning to lower speed limits in a third of school zones in the coming months and the remainder within four years. The city's Department of Transportation will assess each school individually to determine the appropriate locations for the 15 mph speed limits. These areas will include those near public, private, parochial, and charter schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Speed limits are enforced through speed cameras and police stops, with speeding tickets ranging from $50 (issued by cameras) to hundreds of dollars (issued by police officers), and potential license suspension or revocation for egregious cases. Penalties for speeding in a school zone can be more severe than speeding elsewhere.

The new limits are expected to go into effect after a mandatory 60-day public comment period.

No, the reduced speed limits will be in place even when school is not in session.

The reduction of speed limits in NYC school zones is a vital step towards ensuring the safety of children and pedestrians. This change directly impacts families, students, and anyone who travels near schools. Key actions to consider: be aware of the new speed limits in school zones, adhere to the reduced speed limits to protect pedestrians, and support initiatives that prioritize pedestrian safety in your community.

What do you think about the new speed limits in school zones? Will this make a significant difference in pedestrian safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!