Town Council Slows Down On Speed Limit Proposal

BRAINTREE, MA — The Braintree Town Council has opted to not speed their way through a proposal that would lower the default speed limit on some roads in town that are currently 30-35 mph.

The council voted to table a motion that would decrease the speed limit on many roads to 25 mph. Some councilors showed concern about the need, ability to enforce, and whether or not the right roads would fall under the new limit.

Councilor John Mullaney was the most vocal of the council members when it came to his objection to the proposal, calling it among the lowest level of issues he’s ever dealt with.

“We’re basing our decision on nothing. We have in the future close to 250 apartment units and condos being built, we’re not worried about that. We’re going to have traffic that’s going to back us up. We need to keep the traffic moving,” Mullaney said.

According to Councilor Paul “Dan” Clifford, Police Chief Paul Shastany is supportive of the initiative, which is primarily focused on side streets, thickly settled roads, and neighborhoods.

“It’s not for Washington Street, It’s not for Hancock Street, it’s not for Route 37,” Clifford said.

Councilor Stephen O’Brien criticized the vetting of the list, noting that streets like Wildwood Avenue were exempted from the proposed speed limit, despite being home to Highland Elementary.

“I believe that this is, in fact, something the residents want until they are driving down the street and they get nailed. I know I've heard it, I know there is support, but there is support until you get pulled over,” O’Brien said.

The proposal will return to the council at a later date.

Image: File Photo