Why lower the speed limits when the idea is to have better mobility and move traffic out of the way?
A. Environmental speed limits are ineffective in the morning and afternoon peak periods usually experiencing congestion. Since 60 percent of the vehicle miles of travel (VMT) occur in morning and afternoon peak periods, only 40 percent of the VMT is affected. The NCTCOG believes a 5 mph reduction is not significant to effect vehicular mobility in the North Central Texas. However, lower emissions and less incidents and accidents are anticipated as a result of the 5 mph reduction. Other strategies are being implemented in the region to improve mobility and reduce congestion by removing daily VMT through alternate modes of travel. Examples of these strategies include bicycle/pedestrian trails, public transit, carpooling, and employer trip reduction programs.
