Speed limit on Santiago raised

NEWPORT BEACH -- The City Council decided Monday to raise the speed

limit on Santiago Drive to 30 mph despite residents’ protests that the

increase would encourage people to speed.

Police Chief Bob McDonnell argued, however, that the new speed limit will

make it possible for officers to use radar detectors on the street. In

order for police to use radar devices to control speeding, they legally

need a minimum of a 30 mph speed limit.

“If you want us to address the speed issue, give us the tools to do so,”

McDonnell said.

A city traffic study concluded that the average speed of cars along

Santiago is 36 mph when there is no traffic. The new speed limit would be

85% of what drivers go now, said Councilman Gary Adams.

For many residents, however, this was not reassuring. Although Santiago

is not considered a residential street and can therefore accommodate

higher speeds, many community members said they are concerned about their

children’s safety.

Some residents even requested that a contingency plan be created so that

if raising the speed limit proves unsuccessful in controlling traffic,

the city would put speed bumps on Santiago.

“You don’t have to water, trim or feed them,” said resident Chris

Schwartz, adding that the speed mounds would cost $1,500 each.

Adams did concede that perhaps council could take a closer look at

building a sidewalk to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.

-- Noaki Schwartz