Tacoma City Council votes to lower residential speed limits from 25 to 20 mph
The Tacoma City Council voted to approve lowering the speed limit in residential streets from 25 to 20 mph, according to a media release from the City of Tacoma.
The ordinance will also lower the speed limit on arterial streets from 30 to 25 mph in four business districts, including 6th Avenue, Lincoln, McKinley Hill and Old Town.
The new speed limits will go into effect in January 2023.
“I’m so proud to see the city take this important first step towards keeping people on our streets safe,” said councilmember Kristina Walker. “The link between speed and injury severity in crashes is consistent, direct, and especially critical for more vulnerable roadway users. With tonight’s action, coupled with other actions in our Vision Zero Action Plan, our goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035 is in sight.”
In February 2020, the city council committed to Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035. Speed reduction is one of the tactics being employed.
An outreach campaign will be implemented to inform residents of the new speed limits.
A grace period will also go into effect to allow drivers to adapt to the new law before enforcement begins.
