During a recent city council meeting, residents of Vermilion voiced significant concerns regarding the speed limit on Liberty Street, particularly between Decatur Street and the city limits. Mark Shepherd, a local resident, presented a petition signed by 52 community members advocating for a reduction of the speed limit from 45 to 35 miles per hour. Shepherd highlighted the safety risks posed by the current speed limit, especially for elderly residents who frequently walk or bike in the area.

Shepherd emphasized that the existing speed limit increases the likelihood of accidents and makes it challenging for residents to safely exit their driveways. He referenced a tragic accident from the previous year that resulted in a fatality, suggesting that a lower speed limit could potentially prevent such incidents in the future. He urged the city to conduct a traffic study to assess the impact of a speed limit reduction.

City officials discussed the process for changing speed limits, noting that any adjustments would require approval from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), which considers factors such as crash history and access points. Council members expressed support for the residents' concerns, with suggestions to reach out to ODOT for a speed study and to consider implementing flashing warning lights to alert drivers of the changing speed limit.

The discussion underscored the community's desire for safer streets and a more walkable environment, with several council members agreeing that the current speed limit is not conducive to the safety and quality of life in the neighborhood. The council plans to follow up on the residents' request and explore potential solutions to address the speed limit issue on Liberty Street.