Cambridge to lower speed limit in city's squares

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Cambridge city officials are lowering the speed limit in some areas to 20 miles per hour.

Beginning March 1, in all five of the major squares in Cambridge - Harvard, Inman, Porter, Central and Kendall - the speed limit will be 20 mph.

It used to be 30, before dropping to 25 in 2016.

"When you get down to 20 it's much more rare occurrence if someone does have a crash that there is going to be a fatality," said Traffic, Parking & Transportation Director Joseph Barr.

Police say last year alone they saw the biggest drop in crashes within the past 14 years where people had to be rushed to the hospital.

Officials are creating safety zones in the squares because there is just so much activity in them - from people driving, walking and riding their bikes.

"We felt this is a critical place to start because we know we are protecting the most people," said Barr.

Driving 20 can feel really slow, but the city believes it will become the new norm.

Police plan to enforce the new speed limit with warnings - and eventually tickets.

Cox Media Group