New York City drivers will have to ease up on their vehicle's speed beyond 25mph as a new legislation has set a new speed limit across all city streets.
The New York City drivers woke up to new speed limit legislation on Friday that prevents drivers from speeding above 25-mph. The new law was officially put into effect Thursday midnight, with the Department of Transportation replacing 3,000 30-mph signs with the new 25-mph signs around the city. The speed signs will also be posted across 90 percent of the city streets, covering all roads where there are no sign boards for maximum speed.
The first batch of 25-mph signs will be installed at gateways including the Holland Tunnel and George Washington Bridge. The administration says the new sign boards will be placed at all entry points in to the city. The decision to lower speed limit city-wide is a part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero campaign in order to improve road safety and put an end to road accidents, the Wall Street Journal reported.
"Lowering the speed limit will save lives. This is a major step toward achieving Vision Zero, and it depends on every New Yorker taking personal responsibility and putting the lives of their neighbors first," de Blasio said, NBC New York reported. The Vision Zero plan is a collection of a total 64 initiative and lowering the speed limit on city streets is a part of it. According to the administration, the chances of surviving a crash from a vehicle at 25-mph is two times more likely.
The city's transportation officials are expected to install 3,000 signs across the city by next year, bringing the total cost to about $450,000. To bring awareness of the newly passed law, the city will be running online ads and spreading the word through print, radio, electronic traffic display and flyers.
The new law does not affect the highway speed limits and larger thoroughfares will remain at 30-mph. But those who violate the new law within the city limits will be fined. Driving up to 30mph will attract a fine ranging from $90 to $300 along with a 15 days jail time. For those who speed up more than 30-mph, cops will fine violators up to $600 and one month jail time.
