Perris council approves introduction of ordinance to adjust speed limits after citywide survey

PERRIS, Calif. — The Perris City Council introduced on first reading an ordinance on May 27 to revise posted speed limits on more than 40 roadway segments across the city, approving the measure unanimously.

City staff said the changes are based on a formal engineering and traffic survey, including automated speed counts, average daily traffic counts and collision history. Brian Estrada, traffic engineer with RK Engineering Group, told the council the study used commonly accepted traffic‑engineering practices and the 85th percentile (the speed at or below which 85% of vehicles travel) as a principal reference for setting limits. “The 85th percentile speed is the speed that 85% of vehicles are observed to travel under free‑flow conditions,” Estrada said.

Why it matters: municipal speed limits affect enforcement, radar/lidar use by police and how motorists are expected to drive on specific streets. Under state law and guidance, an engineering and traffic survey is required to establish speed limits that can be enforced with speed‑measuring devices.

The city’s summary of the study said the consultant reviewed more than 40 roadway segments. The staff presentation reported that recommended posted speeds would be lowered on 38 segments and raised on about 20 segments in the final recommendations; maps and a list of specific street segments were included in the consultant’s report to council. Staff said the Public Safety Commission vetted the work before it was sent to the full council.

Councilwoman Blanca Nava made the motion to introduce the ordinance; Mayor Michael Vargas seconded. The roll‑call vote was 5‑0.

What happens next: Council approved introduction of the ordinance on first reading. The ordinance will proceed through the city’s ordinance adoption process and return to council as required for subsequent readings and final adoption.

No public speakers registered during the public hearing portion of the item.