Traffic control: speed restrictions; procedure for establishing speed limits; modify. Amends sec. 628 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.628).
Impact
If enacted, the bill would impact state laws concerning traffic regulation by formalizing the methodology employed for establishing speed limits across Michigan's county highways. It would empower local authorities, such as county road commissions and township boards, to petition for speed limit changes without the necessity of costly speed studies under certain conditions. This could lead to more responsive traffic management that potentially improves road safety, particularly in response to local community needs and traffic patterns.
Summary
House Bill 4012 aims to amend existing traffic regulations by modifying the procedures involved in establishing speed limits on county highways. The bill outlines specific criteria for determining safe maximum and minimum speed limits, specifically requiring that such limits be based on engineering and traffic investigations. This legislative change seeks to enhance the safety of vehicular traffic, ensuring that speed limits reflect actual traffic conditions and safety assessments rather than arbitrary figures.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 4012 appears to be largely positive among proponents, who argue that it reflects a modern approach to traffic regulation and public safety. However, potential concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of local traffic studies and whether they sufficiently cover areas that might require stricter enforcement of speed limits. Overall, supporters believe the amendments can lead to better public safety outcomes with accurately assessed speed limitations.
Contention
One notable point of contention relates to the reliance on traffic engineering studies to set speed limits and whether this could inadvertently lead to lower standards of road safety in areas with varying traffic characteristics. Some critics may express concern over the uniform application of these rules across diverse locales, worrying that some regions might implement speed limits that do not adequately protect both drivers and pedestrians, especially in more densely populated areas or near schools.
Traffic control: speed restrictions; determination in accordance with traffic engineering practices; modify. Amends sec. 628 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.628).
Traffic control: speed restrictions; use of automated traffic enforcement devices in work zones to enforce speed limit reductions; allow. Amends secs. 79d, 907 & 909 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.79d et seq.) & adds secs. 2c, 627c & 907a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4133'23
Traffic control: speed restrictions; speed limit on a highway closed to nonemergency motor vehicles; provide for. Amends 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.1 - 257.923) by adding sec. 628b.
Traffic control: speed restrictions; speed limit enforcement mechanisms in school zones: provide for. Amends sec. 907 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.907) & adds secs. 79g & 627c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5726'24
Traffic control: speed restrictions; determination in accordance with traffic engineering practices; modify. Amends sec. 628 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.628).
Capital investment; spending authorized to acquire and better public land and buildings and for other improvements of a capital nature, new programs established and existing programs modified, prior appropriations modified and canceled, bonds issued, and money appropriated.