City considers lowering speed limits in business districts
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Drivers could see lower speed limits in several neighborhoods around the city this summer.
Why it matters: The proposed updates on heavily trafficked streets aim to help improve pedestrian safety and reduce crashes and traffic deaths, which have climbed in recent years.
Driving the news: On Tuesday, City Council is set to consider lowering speed limits by 5mph in specific areas with high business activity: North Park, Hillcrest, City Heights, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Old Town and Mission Hills.
- KPBS mapped out the affected streets, including busy sections of Newport Avenue, 30th Street and University Avenue. Most would see drops from 25mph to 20mph, with a few going from 30mph to 25mph.
- The proposal also retains speed limits in areas where limits could've been raised based on the actual speeds people drive.
State of play: A recent state law, AB 43, gave cities more authority to set speed limits in particular corridors based on safety concerns or business activity, making these streets eligible for reductions.
- Encinitas reduced speed limits under this law last year.
Between the lines: Some residents and advocates have appealed for changes beyond posted speed limits, including narrower lanes, speed bumps, roundabouts and raised crosswalks.
The big picture: The city's transportation department is working on a more comprehensive speed management plan assessing additional speed reductions throughout the city.
- It's expected to be completed by the end of the year and presented to council in early 2026.
What's next: If approved Tuesday, this proposal would need a second approval by council and then the mayor's signature to become law. It would likely take effect 30 days later.