Governor Scott Will Veto Bill To Raise Speed Limits
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott does not feel the 'need for speed' on Florida's highways.
Gov. Scott said he will veto a bill that could increase the speed limit on Florida highways from 70 to 75 mph.
Scott said Tuesday that he will "stand with law enforcement" who urged him to veto the legislation that narrowly passed the Florida Legislature.
Earlier this month, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper who was mourning a colleague killed after being struck by a vehicle urged Scott to veto the bill.
The bill (SB 392) would not raise speed limits automatically, but would allow the Department of Transportation to increase them when it saw fit. The department could also raise the speed limit from 65 to 70 mph on rural, four-lane divided highways and up to 65 mph on other roads.
"AAA is extremely pleased with the Governor's decision to veto Senate Bill 392 which would have allowed higher speed limits on Florida roadways," said Kevin Bakewell, Senior Vice President and Chief Public Affairs Officer for the The Auto Club Group. "Speed-related crashes are a major contributing factor in traffic crashes including 30 percent of traffic fatalities. Maintaining Florida's current speed limits will undoubtedly prevent injuries and save lives on our roadways. For citizens and our nearly 100 million annual visitors, the Governor's action should send a message that safety in Florida is a top priority."
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