WORCESTER, Mass. - Speed limits in Worcester could be reduced to 25 mph across the city unless posted otherwise, and down to 20 mph in established safety zones, if recent proposals are passed.

The requests by City Councilors Kate Toomey and Etel Haxhiaj are aiming to make Worcester roads safer for all. Toomey’s would make the citywide statutory speed limit 25 mph, reducing it from 30 mph right now, and Haxhiaj’s would establish safety zones with 20 mph limits around areas like parks or daycares.

Although it’s in the early stages and votes and hearings would need to happen, Haxhiaj said policy is needed for positive change.

“I think Worcester is moving in the direction of prioritizing safety on our roads, whether that's complete streets projects with things like the project that's happening on Mill Street, adding more traffic calming measures like speed humps," Haxhiaj said. "But obviously we need a comprehensive policy, and adding the speed limits to all the things that we've been doing already I think will be a huge benefit to the safety of our roads for all road users.

"I think as we've seen with the traffic deaths that we've had in the last year, it's imperative that we treat this as a public safety and public health issue and is that's the lens through which I see it. And I do believe it's going to make our neighborhoods a lot safer.”

The City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to refer this item to the Traffic and Parking Committee for a hearing and recommendation. Haxhiaj said the committee will then discuss it at their meeting on Dec. 13.