Mike
Well-Known Member
Monday, Oct. 1, 2007 – Lawmakers in Illinois head back to the capitol this week for a special session that will focus on legislation vetoed by the governor. One bill expected to come up for consideration could bring an end to split speed limits in the state.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich used his veto stamp this summer on a bill that sought to eliminate slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. Currently, those vehicles are required to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
The vetoed bill – SB540 – would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
This spring marked the third time in recent years that House and Senate lawmakers sent a uniform speed limit bill to Blagojevich. As was the case with the previous efforts, the margin of support in both chambers this year was more than the two-thirds majority needed for a veto override. However, on the two previous attempts, some lawmakers who voted to abolish the split speed limit did not carry through when the governor vetoed the legislation.
In his veto message this time, the governor made it clear he doesn’t want trucks traveling at higher rates of speed.
“This bill compromises safety by allowing trucks to travel at higher speeds. I remain opposed to increasing the speed limit to 65 miles per hour for large trucks,” Blagojevich wrote.
Supporters of the bill cite federal statistics showing that split speed limits actually lead to more accidents.
more...
Gov. Rod Blagojevich used his veto stamp this summer on a bill that sought to eliminate slower speed limits on rural interstates for vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds. Currently, those vehicles are required to travel 10 mph below the 65 mph speed limit for other vehicles.
The vetoed bill – SB540 – would allow the Illinois Department of Transportation to increase large truck speeds to as much as 65 mph.
This spring marked the third time in recent years that House and Senate lawmakers sent a uniform speed limit bill to Blagojevich. As was the case with the previous efforts, the margin of support in both chambers this year was more than the two-thirds majority needed for a veto override. However, on the two previous attempts, some lawmakers who voted to abolish the split speed limit did not carry through when the governor vetoed the legislation.
In his veto message this time, the governor made it clear he doesn’t want trucks traveling at higher rates of speed.
“This bill compromises safety by allowing trucks to travel at higher speeds. I remain opposed to increasing the speed limit to 65 miles per hour for large trucks,” Blagojevich wrote.
Supporters of the bill cite federal statistics showing that split speed limits actually lead to more accidents.
more...