Fairhaven’s Default Speed Limit Going Down?

FAIRHAVEN - Drivers around Fairhaven should double check their speedometers after Monday night's Board of Selectmen meeting.

The board spoke with Fairhaven Police Chief Michael Myers about reducing the town's statutory speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph.

This limit would be in effect anywhere there isn't a posted speed limit, which mostly covers areas like West Island and neighborhoods.

As a former Board of Public Works member, Selectman Dan Freitas knows how difficult it can be getting a speed limit sign placed.

"There is a study that has to be done. A lot of the time, it's an expensive study, so they can't afford to do them. So something like this actually works in our favor where we could post it town-wide that that would be the speed limit, which would be 25, and I think that would be plenty in some of these small areas for sure," Freitas said.

The town is able to make the speed limit change thanks to the Municipal Modernization Act, which was passed by Gov. Charlie Baker last year. The bill allows local governments to make certain decisions without going through the state level.

Town officials are still unsure whether the new limit will need Town Meeting approval, or just another vote by the Board of Selectmen.