Residents hoping to maintain lower speed limits on gravel roads were dealt a setback Dec. 22, following Governor Jennifer Granholm’s veto of a bill to allow the lower speeds.
Residents along many area gravel roads were angered to learn of a revised state law, enacted by state legislature in March, that would increase the speed limit on roads previously posted at 25 mph to 55 mph-even in residential areas.
About 283 gravel road segments in Oakland County, previously posted as 25 mph zones, were affected.
‘The bill would create a special exception from the standardized process for establishing speed limits adopted this year. I do not believe such an exception is appropriate,? said Granholm in a statement issued by her office.
Jim Marleau, (R- 46th district), disagrees.
Marleau was one of the lawmakers spearheading Senate Bill 248, amending what some representatives call an unintended consequence of the earlier revision, and allowing local officials to petition for lower speed limits where they deem it necessary.
Marleau said the geographic makeup of Oakland County ‘with its abundance of lakes and sharply winding roads? makes the county exceptional in its need for lower speed limits.
Marleau said he was surprised by the veto, especially after gathering such strong bi-partisan support for the legislation.
‘I was very concerned the governor felt that way,? said Marleau.
Marleau added that lawmakers are still considering all options to find a compromise for all parties in this situation.
‘I was very concerned for the citizens of Oakland County that were counting on this bill. I thought it was a health and safety issue. Unfortunately the governor disagreed with it,? said Marleau.
Granholm also stated the bill ‘suffered from technical deficiencies? and that the enactment of the bill could lead to litigation because its purpose was changed by the House of Representatives from a bill relating to license plates to one relating to speed limits.
The law as it stands now determines speed limits by the number of vehicle access points such as side roads, alleys and driveways. Under that law, which went into effect Nov. 9, speed limits are lowered as the number of access points increases.