Braintree Speed Limit Dropping To 25 MPH

BRAINTREE, MA — Drivers in Braintree will have to start slowing down when they hit the side roads.

The town council voted this week 6-0-1 to lower the speed limit on side streets from 30 mph to 25. The change is pending the approval of Mayor Joseph Sullivan.

The decrease does not affect roads with posted speed limits and highways.

“This is a limited application of the 25 mph speed limit,” Joseph Reynolds, the mayor’s chief of staff told the council.

Police Chief Paul Shastany said the measure is in response to the numerous complaints the department has received about speeding, noting that it’s the top complaint among residents.

“The intention is to control speeds on neighborhood roads that are not intended to handle 30 mph traffic. We all know from our experience..but on some streets, a car going 30 would be considered operating to endanger,” Shastany said.

Councilor Stephen O’Brien voted present and said there wasn’t enough research done’

“Peach Street has a middle school on it, that’s listed as exempt. Stetson Street is a cut through for Route 3 and I see it every day. I just feel there wasn’t enough analysis done on the list and people are going to get nabbed,” O’Brien said.

To enforce the new speed limit, Shastany said he is realigning the department and wants to add more officers to traffic enforcement.

“My intention is to maintain a grip on speed control. It’s the most common complain citizens levy,” he said. “Frankly, the department is running thin and my radar screen is focused on bringing people in and staffing up.”

While there will not be signs on the affected roads, there will be a note at the town lines that all roads are 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

Image: File Photo