Why doesnt the City lower the posted speed limit to slow traffic on arterial and collector roadways?
Contrary to popular belief, lowering the speed limit on a roadway will not slow traffic. Most motorists travel at a speed which they feel is appropriate given their surroundings, regardless of posted speed limit signs. The State of California has established the 85th percentile speed as the prudent speed for a roadway. That is the speed at which 85% of the motorists are traveling at or below. For this reason, state law requires speed limits be posted at the nearest 5mph increment to the 85th percentile speed in order for law enforcement to use RADAR. An additional 5mph reduction in the speed limit can be justified given certain conditions. For further information, click here for an informative brochure concerning realistic speed zoning.
