By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a virtual hearing on a measure that would allow cities and towns to lower their speed limits by five mph.

“In 2020, there were 334 deaths on Massachusetts roads,” said sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). ”According to experts and the state police, the likely cause is increased speeds. Lowering speed limits can reduce accidents, reduce the number of injuries that result from accidents and reduce the number of fatalities. Local officials are closest to the ground and are best suited to understand their city or town. This bill trusts local officials to determine if a modest adjustment to the posted speed limit is warranted in neighborhoods within their jurisdiction.”