LA HABRA : City Rejects Plan for Higher Speed Limits

After several residents expressed concerns about speeding drivers, the City Council last week decided to reject a proposal that would have increased the speed limits on Harbor Boulevard and Monte Vista Street.

Instead, council members voted to keep in place the 40-m.p.h. speed limit on Harbor from the north city limits to Whittier Boulevard and the 25-m.p.h. speed limit on Monte Vista.

The Traffic Commission had proposed that, based on traffic engineering surveys, the speed limits be increased by 5 m.p.h.

“I’ve seen the city grow,” said Bob Bannick, a 22-year resident of La Habra. “Traffic speeds have grown tenfold. It’s dangerous on (Harbor and Monte Vista). . . . The safety of our families is at stake.”

Barbara Kays spoke against the speed-limit increase on Harbor on behalf of the North Hills Homeowners Assn.

She said residents have witnessed numerous accidents caused by speeding drivers on Harbor.

“I hope the city of La Habra will do whatever it can before we have a family of five scattered all over the road,” Kays said.

Added Dennis Ferry, another La Habra resident: “If the speed limit is ever raised on (Harbor), you’re going to have a problem. I’ve almost been nailed three times.”

Mayor William D. Mahoney said the current council will never be in favor of increasing the speed limit on Harbor.