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Saratoga Springs is considering lowering the speed limit along West Avenue from 25 mph to 20 mph, continuing the city's efforts to improve traffic safety near schools.
The proposal, which was discussed at a public meeting on Tuesday night, comes after the city already reduced its default speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph last year. The change received public support during the initial discussion.
"Last year we passed a law lowering the default speed limits in the city from 30 miles an hour to 25 miles per hour, and this is just a change to the law," said Safety Commissioner Tim Coll in a statement to CBS6 Albany.
Beyond reducing the West Avenue speed limit, the proposal also aims to officially codify 15 mph school zone limits on nearby Empire Avenue and Joseph Street.
"After we reviewed, we did further analysis to make sure we captured all the streets in the city," Coll explained. "Those two streets were not memorialized in the code, so we're just making that change."
The city recently completed updating all speed limit signs throughout Saratoga Springs in December 2025, reflecting the citywide reduction to 25 mph that took full effect on January 1, 2026. This broader speed limit reduction followed a comprehensive traffic safety review that found lower vehicle speeds significantly reduce crash severity and increase pedestrian survival rates.
"This change moves us toward a safer, more walkable community and reflects our commitment to protecting all residents, especially children, seniors, and those who walk or bike," Coll said in a December statement reported by Saratoga Today.
The public comment period for the new school zone speed limit proposal will remain open until March 3, when the City Council is expected to vote on the measure. If approved, this would continue the trend of stricter speed enforcement seen across several Capital Region municipalities in recent years.