Maryland Senate Bill SB464

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24
• Refer: 1/22/24

Caption

Urban State Highways - Speed Limits - Exceptions

Impact

If enacted, SB464 would have a notable impact on Maryland's transportation laws by easing the regulations governing speed limit adjustments in urban settings. This change acknowledges the importance of adapting traffic regulations to enhance pedestrian safety in areas with high foot traffic. The authority given to the State Highway Administration allows for faster and potentially more responsive adjustments to speed limits, reflecting the needs of urban infrastructure and communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 464, titled 'Urban State Highways - Speed Limits - Exceptions', aims to amend existing state regulations regarding speed limits on urban highways. The bill grants the State Highway Administration the authority to decrease the maximum speed limit on certain urban state highways without the need for an engineering and traffic investigation. This provision seeks to improve traffic safety and adapt speed limits to the unique conditions present in urban areas, where pedestrian traffic may be significant.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention surrounding the implications of such changes to speed limits. Critics could argue that removing the requirement for an engineering investigation may lead to arbitrary speed limit changes that do not adequately consider all safety factors. There may be concerns about how these altered limits could affect overall traffic conditions, particularly in areas where pedestrian and vehicular interactions are already precarious. The balance between improving pedestrian safety and maintaining efficient vehicle flow will be a focal point of discussion among lawmakers and community groups.