Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board weighs state-backed statutory speed-limit signage and asks for public input
Summary
Town staff outlined a state program to post statutory speed-limit signs that allow enforcement; board members raised safety concerns about several 40 mph recommendations and asked staff to publish proposed listings for public comment and to involve the Select Board before accepting grant-funded signs.
Dartmouth staff briefed the Board of Public Works on a state program to install statutory speed‑limit signs (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, §17) on roads that meet posted-distance and land‑use criteria, and the board discussed local safety concerns and public input.
Tim explained the program’s mechanics: statutory postings identify maximums that can be enforced by police in areas that meet distance requirements (for example, a 30 mph in thickly settled/business districts with at least an eighth‑mile of contiguous built area). He said the state will fund signs and posts under a grant program and that if accepted the town is expected to install and enforce the posted limits.
Board members raised specific concerns about recommended 40 mph postings on roads with limited sight lines, children walking to school, and bicycle traffic. Mr. Gier urged that proposed sign locations be posted on the town website for public comment and that the Select Board be involved because ticketing and enforcement will be visible to the public. The board agreed staff should refine the proposed list, invite public comment and coordinate with the Select Board before finalizing grant acceptance or posting.
