Lawmakers Press for Lower Speed Limit
Amid loud opposition to the 65-mph speed limit along the stretch of the Ventura Freeway that passes La Conchita and Mussel Shoals, local legislators are calling for a review of the policy.
State Sen. Jack O’Connell (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblyman Brooks Firestone (R-Los Olivos) have called on state Department of Transportation officials to consider lowering the speed limit there to 55 mph.
“La Conchita and nearby Mussel Shoals are two small residential communities whose only access is via Highway 101,” the lawmakers wrote.
“In this several-miles stretch of highway, there is also a great deal of cross-traffic, and we believe the acceleration and deceleration lanes lack enough distance for safe traffic flow if a 65 mph speed limit is retained.”
The letter was sent to Caltrans Director James Van Loeben Sels(, District 7 Director Ken Steele, California Highway Patrol Capt. Mike Porrazzo and Mussel Shoals residents Warren and Sally Bateman. The lawmakers included a copy of a story in Tuesday’s Times Ventura County Edition detailing complaints from residents along the seaside stretch.
Speed limits were raised throughout California after President Clinton signed legislation last year that transferred regulation of traffic speeds to states.
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