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County attorney outlines new law letting localities cut 25 mph limits to 15 mph in business, residential areas
Summary
Southampton County's attorney explained House Bill 1071 and how it lets localities reduce certain 25 mph posted limits to as low as 15 mph in business or residential districts with notice to the commissioner of highways and proper signage; board members said the change likely won't affect US-58.
County attorney Mr. Gregory told the Southampton County Board of Supervisors on June 25 that the General Assembly recently amended Virginia law to give localities new authority over some speed limits.
"The General Assembly has passed session past House Bill 1071, which amended Virginia code section 46.2-1300, which now allows local governments, like Southampton County to, reduce speed limits that are currently posted at 25 miles per hour down to no less than 15 miles per hour in any business or residents district," Mr. Gregory said.
The attorney said the law requires written notice of the change to the Commissioner of Highways and that the locality install the necessary signage. Board members asked whether the change affected U.S. 58; Mr. Gregory and others noted the law applies only where the existing posted limit is 25 mph, so major highways such as U.S. 58 were unlikely to be affected.
Supervisor discussion focused on where the authority could be most useful — small towns and neighborhood streets — and on ensuring the county follows the notice and signage requirements before changing any limits.
The discussion concluded without a motion to change any specific posted speed limits; any future change would require staff action to provide notice and install signs.
The county administrator and VDOT contacts were asked to follow up on specific streets where residents have raised safety concerns.
