Reminder: Citywide 25 MPH Speed Limit Takes Effect Tomorrow

A citywide speed limit reduction goes into effect tomorrow, November 7, dropping from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.

Part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and make streets safer, the speed limit bill was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support over the summer.

The new 25 MPH speed limit will affect all streets in the five boroughs, except those where a different speed limit is posted. Speed limits on highways will remain the same, and some “big streets,” which the DOT says have been designed to accommodate faster speeds, will remain at 30 MPH. Other streets — like those near schools — may have lower speed limits posted.

Eighty-nine new speed limit signs arrived at the city’s sign shop in Queens today, and workers will begin installing them on bridges, highways, and at city borders–all the “gateways” of the city. Over 3,000 signs are set to go up in the next year, costing the city over $500,000.

Initially, some local politicians criticized the bill. Councilman Jumaane Williams, who represents portions of Midwood, Flatbush, and Ditmas Park, argued it was too broad to implement citywide, while Councilman Mark Treyger, representing Coney Island and Gravesend, argued it would negatively impact working class people on their daily commutes. But no one is more furious than Denis Hamill, who suggested in a fiery Daily News editorial this week that road rage over the law may cause traffic deaths.

The NYPD vowed to use “discretion” while enforcing the law, but warned that anyone who exceeds the 25 MPH limit after today may be issued a summons.

By Rachel Silberstein; photo via Governor Andrew Cuomo