Encinitas adopts new speed‑limit reductions around schools and residential streets under AB43 and AB382

Encinitas — The City Council unanimously adopted updated speed limits based on engineering and traffic surveys, city criteria and two new state laws that give local agencies additional authority to lower speeds on residential streets and near schools.

City traffic engineer Banigan briefed the council on the surveys. Staff found 42 speed surveys needed updating; in many locations prior reductions had already reduced measured speeds. Staff proposed two corridor reductions (El Camino Real between Santa Fe and Manchester from 50 to 45 mph; Village Parkway near Parkdale lane reduced for traffic calming), recommended 11 residential segments for a 20‑mph posted limit under Assembly Bill 43, and identified six school‑adjacent locations eligible for 20‑mph signage when children are present under Assembly Bill 382.

Community safety advocates spoke in favor. Lara Grimmer of Safe Streets Encinitas noted the large increase in survivability for pedestrians struck at lower speeds and urged swift adoption of school‑zone signage and residential speed reductions.

Council members asked for clarifications about AB43 criteria (residential frontage and pedestrian concentration) and confirmed that 20‑mph signed school zones are limited to areas within 500 feet of school property under AB382. Council voted unanimously to adopt the engineering and traffic surveys and to add the residential and school‑zone speed reductions supported by the mobility commission.

What’s next: Staff will install signs and update maps; several neighborhoods will receive newly posted 20‑mph limits and school zones will receive ‘20 when children present’ signs where eligible.