Speed Limits Likely To Drop On These Temecula Streets

TEMECULA, CA—After conducting a state-mandated traffic survey, the city of Temecula is poised to slow motorists on some streets.

During the 6 p.m. June 27 Temecula Traffic Safety Commission meeting at City Hall, commissioners will consider recommending that City Council adopt an ordinance reaffirming and adjusting some speed limits.

All of the recommended adjustments are slowdowns:

• Butterfield Stage Road — Rancho California Road to Avenue Lestonnac: 55 MPH to 50 MPH
• Butterfield Stage Road — Avenue Lestonnac to Pauba Road: 55 MPH to 50 MPH
• Butterfield Stage Road — Pauba Road to De Portola Road: 55 MPH to 50 MPH
• Ynez Road — North City Limits to Date Street: Currently Not Posted to 45 MPH
• Ynez Road Santiago Road to La Paz Street: 45 MPH to 40 MPH
• Ynez Road — La Paz Street to Jedediah Smith Road: 45 MPH to 40 MPH

City documents show that, with the exception of the six road segments listed above, "The survey indicates that most existing speed limits do not require a change ... ."

The recommendations follow an "Engineering and Traffic Survey" conducted by Willdan Engineering on behalf of the city. California Vehicle Code requires local authorities to review, reaffirm or adjust speed limits within their jurisdiction every seven years based on the survey.

The survey is the mechanism for legal enforcement of posted speed limits. Willdan conducted the survey on 24 segments of seven Temecula roadways, according to city documents.

The survey included, but was not limited to, consideration of prevailing speeds determined by traffic engineering measurements; accident statistics; and highway, traffic and roadside conditions, city documents show.

Speed limits cannot be random. Establishing a speed limit that is inconsistent with the 85th percentile speed of motorists traveling on a given stretch of road constitutes a "speed trap" and is not enforceable.

See the full June 27 Temecula Traffic Safety Commission meeting agenda here.