FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Fresno City Council has voted unanimously to move forward with lowering speed limits in school zones from 25 miles per hour to 20, positioning the city as an early adopter of a new statewide mandate.
“We do have a motion. We have a second. Any opposed? … Seeing none. That item passes 7 to 0,” councilmember Nelson Esparza said during Thursday’s meeting.
The speed reduction aligns with Assembly Bill 382, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law last October. The statewide requirement is not scheduled to take effect until January 2031.
Esparza said the change is overdue for Fresno schools.
“I don’t have the exact data, but there have certainly been collisions between vehicles and our students in these school zones, and it’s tragic,” he said.
Esparza added that he has witnessed the problem firsthand.
“It’s a complaint I have myself as someone who drops off their child at one of our local elementary schools,” he said.
Fresno Unified School District expressed support for the city’s action.
In a statement to Action News, the district said, “We welcome any changes or improvements which would mean our students and parents will be safer when walking, riding their bikes and driving to and from school.”
Implementing the new speed limits will require replacing existing signage across the city.
The estimated cost for the project is between $400,000 and $500,000.
For many students, the safety concerns are familiar. Edgar Torres, a Jefferson Elementary alumnus, recalled narrowly avoiding cars near campus.
“You had to really watch out because if not, you could be run over,” he said.
Councilmember Tyler Maxwell shared a similar experience.
“They even had me go out to Erickson Elementary. It is pretty scary out there. I almost got hit by a car,” he said.
Esparza said he hopes the new signs will be installed in time for the start of the next academic year in August.
By ABC 30’s Christina Lopez
