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Local News


NYC SPEED LIMIT MAY DROP TO 20 MPH AFTER SAMMY'S LAW SIGNED BY GOV. HOCHUL.
HERE'S WHAT DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW.

By Mark Prussin, John Dias

Updated on: May 9, 2024 / 6:25 PM EDT / CBS New York

 * 
 * 
 * 

Sammy's Law signed by Gov. Hochul, allowing NYC to lower speed limits

NEW YORK -- New York City's speed limit may soon be lowered to 20 MPH. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Sammy's Law on Thursday, which grants New York City the
authority to lower the citywide speed limit from 25 MPH. 

If approved by the New York City Council, the maximum speed limit would drop to
20 MPH, but it could be as low as 15 MPH in designated "slow zones" to help
control traffic. 



"New York City will be able to take back its streets," Hochul said at the bill
signing. "What that means, we're taking back the streets, making them safer for
people, slowing down drivers and saving lives."

The law has Mayor Eric Adams' support, but the City Council must approve any new
speed limits first. 

"Years ago, when I was a state senator, we started a campaign of decreasing the
speed limit with some of the advocates then, and little did we know that the
people who stand behind us, Families for Safe Streets, they stated that we're
going to turn our pain into purpose," said Adams. 


FIGHTING FOR SAMMY'S LAW FOR A DECADE

New York state lawmakers passed Sammy's Law in April. It was named after
12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was struck and killed by a driver in Park
Slope, Brooklyn in 2013. 

Amy Cohen has been fighting for a slower speed limit since her son's death. 

"This is a joyous, but bittersweet moment," said Cohen, an advocate with
Families for Safe Streets. "With this legislation, I hope we can learn more
children's names because of their accomplishments, their personalities and their
spirit, not their final moments." 



Hochul said the city should always have had the power to lower its speed limits
without Albany's permission, and that the new law will reduce the risk of death
in some traffic accidents.

"Five miles per hour makes a difference between life and death," said Hochul. 

There are exceptions for major thoroughfares in the outer boroughs.

"All streets are not the same and we should not have a speed limit within the
entire city based on the makeup of one belief or philosophy," said Adams. 


NEW YORKERS UNSURE IF DRIVERS WILL SLOW DOWN 

Some New Yorkers are not convinced slower speed limits will make a difference. 



"I think New Yorkers are gonna drive how New Yorkers are gonna drive," said Beth
Higgins, from Park Slope. 

"They will definitely be speeding past," said Neisha Worrell, from Crown
Heights. "More road rage." 

Under Sammy's Law, the lower speed limits can only be applied to roads with
fewer than three lanes, but Hochul said that could change in the future. 

A 60-day public comment period must be held before any changes. 


MORE FROM CBS NEWS

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NYC rolls out new, high-tech parking meters. Here's how they work
What's being done to address low math scores in NYC public schools?
NYC schools chancellor testifies about antisemitism before Congress
   In:
 * Brooklyn
 * Eric Adams
 * Kathy Hochul
 * New York City
 * New York City Council

Mark Prussin

Mark Prussin is a Digital Producer at CBS New York. He covers breaking news,
sports, politics and trending stories in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
for CBSNewYork.com. Mark joined the CBS New York team in 2019.


Read More

First published on May 9, 2024 / 2:52 PM EDT

© 2024 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Read more


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