If enacted, H3798 would amend Chapter 160 of the General Laws by adding a new section that empowers cities and towns to create school zones and regulate the speed of locomotives. Local legislative bodies would be required to notify affected railroad corporations and erect appropriate signage to inform train operators of the speed restrictions. The legislation reflects an effort to balance local authority with safety concerns related to railroad operations in populated areas, particularly around schools.
Summary
House Bill 3798, introduced by Representative Marcus S. Vaughn, aims to establish designated school zones specifically for locomotives operating on railroads within cities and towns of Massachusetts. The proposed legislation would allow local governments to set speed limits for both passenger and freight locomotives in these school zones, not to exceed 20 miles per hour. This is intended to enhance safety for school children and pedestrians in areas where railroad crossings are present, particularly during peak school hours.
Contention
The potential impacts of H3798 include both positive safety outcomes and concerns about the regulatory burden placed on local governments and railroads. While proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of reducing train speeds in school zones to protect children, critics may argue that enforcing these regulations could lead to increased operational costs for railroads. Additionally, there could be discussions around the efficacy of signage and the responsibilities municipalities must take on for maintaining compliance with established speed limits, thus sparking debates about local vs. state regulation in transportation.
Amending the statutory responsibilities of the Department of Public Utilities and establishing a commission on transportation safety oversight and regulation