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House approves bill letting local councils lower state speed limits in specific circumstances
Summary
The Utah House passed a bill allowing a unanimous city or town council to lower a state-set speed limit by up to 10 mph on state highways within their jurisdiction, citing local safety concerns such as absent sidewalks and school bus stops. The measure passed 45-20 after extended debate over enforcement and UDOT methodology.
The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 10 passed legislation letting city and town councils, by unanimous vote, lower a state-set speed limit on a state highway by up to 10 miles per hour where local officials find safety concerns.
Representative Evan L. Olson, the bill’s sponsor, told colleagues the measure responds to residents’ safety complaints in communities where a widened state highway passes through town and “there are no sidewalks in that community, little or no shoulder to the road, and the children have to walk onto a four-lane highway to get to the bus stop.” He framed the bill as a way to restore local control when the Department of Transportation’s speed studies do not reflect community conditions.
The bill’s proponents argued it gives small towns a narrow, statutory mechanism to protect residents. “This will allow the unincorporated areas, the towns, and the cities in rural Utah to be able to feel like they do have a small voice in government,” Representative Katy Hall said in support.
Opponents cautioned the change could produce unintended safety and enforcement problems and urged caution. One representative warned lowering posted limits can sometimes increase risky driving behavior such as tailgating and unsafe passing. Some lawmakers said UDOT had indicated it was reviewing its methodology for setting speed limits and suggested the agency should be given time to adjust.
Representative Olson and other backers said the bill includes safeguards: a requirement that the local governing body use the same multi-step criteria UDOT applies, and that a unanimous decision would be required to make the change. Olson said letters from local residents and the highway commissioner supported the approach.
After floor debate and summations, the House approved the measure 45-20. The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
The vote outcome was announced on the floor by the Speaker after the roll was closed: 45 yes, 20 no.
