Report Prepared by: Daryl Jordan P.E., City Engineer, Engineering Division
Title
SUBJECT: Discussion on the Speed Zone Study and Request to Set a Public Hearing Regarding the Speed Zone Ordinance
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff request to set a public hearing for November 17, 2025, to consider amending Merced Municipal Code Section 10.16.010- Speed Limits to implement recommendations made in the speed zone study.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion setting a public hearing for Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM to consider amending the Speed Zone Ordinance.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 2025-26 budget.
DISCUSSION
The City is required by law to perform an Engineering and Traffic Study (Speed Zone Study) every seven years if we wish to continue to use radar for speed enforcement. According to the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the City will not be able to use radar for enforcement of speed zones if the Speed Zone Study is not performed; our last study was done in 2017. City staff has also performed a 2025 study this year, which is now completed.
The scope and objectives of the speed study were based upon definitions of terms and guidelines as established by the state legislature and the California Vehicle Code. The speed study procedure included location selection, data collection, data analysis and evaluation among others. In addition, the speed study includes the existing posted speed limit, median speed, critical speed (85th percentile), pace speed, and recommended speed limit. The ordinance identifies each location studied along with the recommended speed limit.
As noted in the study, a common misconception is that posting a speed limit will influence drivers to drive...
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