On The Fast Track? Delegates Propose Raising The Speed Limit
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Making it legal to speed. Some lawmakers in Annapolis have proposed a controversial new measure to raise the speed limit on Maryland's expressways to 70 miles per hour.
Kai Jackson explains the proposal has everybody talking.
It's an idea that could happen and so far, it has bipartisan support.
Raising the speed limit in Maryland is an idea that could be in the fast lane, if some state lawmakers have their way.
"I think it's a good idea," said driver Anthony Maiorano. "Traffic takes a while and people slow down for no reason a lot around here."
About two dozen legislators have sponsored a bill to raise speed limits on Maryland highways to a maximum of 70 miles per hour.
"We don't want to have people stuck in gridlock. We want to be able to have them move as freely as possible on our freeways while also considering the safety of others," said Delegate Aruna Miller.
Lawmakers in Montgomery County and western Maryland point to the money they spend using Maryland's new toll road as a reason the speed limit should be raised.
"The cars are now safer and they run more efficiently," said Delegate Neil Parrott. "And the roads are safer."
Maryland drivers we spoke with seem divided over the idea of raising the speed limit.
"The fact that they're gonna raise it sorta promotes the fact that people are gonna drive even faster than that," said driver Andrew Reed.
"I think it's a good idea. I think nationally, if you look at the flow of traffic, many people end up going those speeds anyway," said driver Anita Wikes.
In Maryland, speed limits can be set by law but they can also be raised or lowered by the MdTA according to traffic engineering studies.
