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USF Ramps Up Speed Limit Enforcement By Reducing Campus Speed Limit

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Posted on September 23, 2013

Updated on October 13, 2023

Drivers on the University of South Florida’s (USF) Tampa campus will soon face stricter enforcement when it comes to speeding. Board trustees in 2013 approved lowering the speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph, and less in certain areas, on all campus property streets. The change is expected to improve safety by reducing car accidents as well as pedestrian accidents on campus. Lt. Chris Daniel, a public information officer for USF campus police, explained:

“The campus is growing, and congestion is a lot worse than it’s been in the past. Each year we increase capacity out here, and at some point the university asked for a study.”

USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research completed a 153-page report analyzing campus traffic patterns. The study concluded a 25 mph standard was most conducive to a balance of traffic flow and safety.

Despite the fact that there are many speed bumps on USF’s streets, police still issue a fair amount of tickets to drivers exceeding the existing speed limit of 30 mph. In 2012, USF campus police issued 775 speeding citations. Fortunately, due to stricter enforcement measures, the amount of issued speeding citations has decreased to 308 in 2013. However, with 245 total traffic accidents on campus this year thus far, the university is expected to match the previous year’s total of 306.

At the time Lt. Daniel told members of the local media that he does not know exactly when the new speed limits will take effect because university trustees just approved the proposal earlier this month. Posted signs displaying the 25 mph speed limit may be installed prior to the end of the fall semester and enforcement will begin immediately thereafter. Motorists on campus are advised to strictly adhere to posted speed limits.

Update: As of 2023 the USF Tampa campus speed limit is 25 m.p.h. unless otherwise posted. In parking lots the limit is 10 m.p.h. and it is 5 m.p.h. in parking garages.