Gov. Cuomo Signs Bill Lowering NYC Speed Limit To 25 MPH
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio's "Vision Zero" plan was signed into law Saturday.
As WCBS 880's Monica Miller reported, it may feel like a crawl for some drivers, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo is determined to pull the brakes on pedestrian accidents and fatalities in the city.
He signed legislation into law at the Javits Center Saturday that will lower the default speed limit from 30 to 25 mph.
Gov. Cuomo Signs Bill Lowering NYC Speed Limit To 25 MPH
De Blasio said it's a necessary component for his "Vision Zero" plan to eliminate traffic deaths within 10 years.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg echoed that sentiment Saturday, saying the move will save lives.
"When you lower the speed limit, the chances of a person being killed is cut in half when you reduce the speed limit of the moving vehicle from 30 to 25," she said.
Aaron Charlop-Powers' mother was fatally struck by a car four years ago while riding her bike.
"It will directly address the serial killer on New York City streets-- speeding cars," he said.
In anticipation of the reduced speed limit, signs were put up along Broadway on the Upper West Side, 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten reported.
Gov. Cuomo Signs Bill Lowering NYC Speed Limit To 25 MPH
Those who live in the neighborhood say anything that will reduce the number of pedestrians struck in the area is a good thing. But one resident, Al, said the reduced speed limits will only work if enforced.
"I know people who have been hit. But it's up to enforcement, it's up to police to keep the speed limit enforced," Al said.
One resident, Charley, told 1010 WINS he's tired of seeing people struck by cars on Broadway.
"We live right up by 96th and people are getting killed left and right by cars going too fast and not paying attention so I'm glad they're at least making an effort to make it safer," he said.
The new speed limit will go into effect in three months.
A city website said about 4,000 New Yorkers are seriously injured and more than 250 are killed each year in car accidents.
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