A state Senate committee yesterday approved a bill to raise the speed limit to 70 mph on some highways, and rejected a proposal to keep the limit at 65 mph for tractor-trailer rigs.
Sen. Stephen D. Newman, R-Lynchburg, sponsored Senate Bill 537, which would set the 70 mph limit for all vehicles on roads where engineers deemed it safe. Gov. Bob McDonnell promised during his campaign to raise speed limits to 70 mph.
But at the trucking industry's request, Newman said, he offered to amend his measure and keep trucks at the current 65 mph. Many trucks now are equipped with governors that limit their speeds to 65, Newman said industry representatives told him.
The proposed amendment got zero support from Senate Transportation Committee members, including Newman himself. "The industry would like it; it is before the committee; it is not part of my bill," Newman said.
Trucking-industry lobbyists did not comment during Newman's presentation.
The amendment died when no one offered a motion to accept it.
"One of the most dangerous circumstances you can develop on an interstate highway system is bifurcated speed limits," said Sen. John Watkins, R-Powhatan, said. "I think we would be in a safer position to stick to one speed limit and let the bill rise or fall."
Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, voted against the bill, saying he worried about its effect on Interstate 81.
"I thought it was already about 85 mph for trucks," Deeds said, to chuckles from other committee members.
Newman joined in, saying "I'd like to have a list of those trucks governed at 65."
The same bill is pending in the House of Delegates, where it is sponsored by Del. Charles W. Carrico, R-Galax.
Ray Reed writes for The News & Advance of Lynchburg.
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