The Village of Los Ranchos has reduced the speed limits around neighborhoods and near businesses to curb speeding.
The village has lowered speed limits from 35 mph to 25 mph, hoping it will make drivers slow down and increase safety, Village Administrator John Avila said during a planning and zoning meeting in June.
“Accidents decrease with decrease in speed limits and just overall safety,” he said.
The solution to enforce the speed limit was approved June 1 and the Village is continuing to work on the “4th Street Revitalization Project.” Avila said it was the best time to update speed limits around the village and that it has already made a difference.
“People are taking their time along 4th Street, and you notice it most there because most of the smaller streets have already had the 25 mph signs in,” he said. “You know, taking their time and planning just seems more orderly.”
Residents also said they noticed a difference.
Paul Griegos, whose parents live in Los Ranchos, said he is less worried when his mom goes for her daily walks now that speeding is reduced.
“My mom is older, you know? I’d say a huge chunk of the village is,” Griegos said. “I feel better knowing drivers are going slower on these major roads. My mom likes to walk in the afternoons, and I feel like her safety is being considered by lowering speed.”
The Village has an agreement with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office to help the village monitor and enforce new speed limits. Police vehicles patrol through neighborhoods, past wineries and near parks in Los Ranchos looking for speeders.
Village officials hope these recent changes will continue to deter speeding vehicles down scenic roadways and neighborhoods in Los Ranchos.
Officials planned to provide an update on the effectiveness of the speed limit changes at the Nov. 12 and zoning meeting.
