The Hoboken City Council voted unanimously (8-0) to reduce their school zone speed limit to 15 miles per hour, which impacts 15 different locations overall.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Lowering the speed limit around schools to better protect our most vulnerable and precious pedestrians, our children, has been a priority under the Vision Zero initiative,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“We remain committed to providing safe routes for students to walk and bike to and from school and hope the slower speeds in school zones will encourage even more people to do both.”
This move was the latest in Hoboken’s Vision Zero Action plan and aims to create safer streets near schools, which have a higher percentage of vulnerable road users, in particular, children.
The 15-mph speed limit will be in effect on streets surrounding schools during school arrival and dismissal times, and during recess when the presence of children is clearly visible from the roadway.
Signage will be installed before the ordinance takes effect on September 12th. Locations considered school zones were vetted by leaders from the Hoboken Public School District and the Hoboken Public Safety Department. Those locations can be viewed here.
“Vehicle speed is a major factor in the frequency and severity of crashes. Even a 5-mph difference, will make it easier for drivers to be aware of their surroundings, and react and stop when necessary. I thank the City Council for approving this potentially lifesaving change,” stated Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante.
“The safety of our children, their parents and caregivers, and staff coming to and from school is paramount. Taking measures to reduce speed within expanded school zones minimizes the potential for injury and potentially catastrophic consequences. The Hoboken Public School District praises the Mayor and Council for taking action,” added Hoboken Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson.
The citywide speed limit outside of school zones was also reduced to 20 miles per hour about a year ago.
