Drivers are cautioned to be especially aware of their speed when traveling on East Hillsdale Boulevard and Shell Boulevard in Foster City.

Starting May 1, 2007, the speed limits on East Hillsdale Boulevard between Altair Avenue and Edgewater Boulevard and on Shell Boulevard between Bounty Drive and East Hillsdale Boulevard will be reduced to 35 miles per hour in order to allow Neighborhood Electric Vehicles to travel on most Foster City streets.

The City is using various media to get the word out. Warning signs will be set up in each area prior to the implementation of the new speed limits in order to give drivers who use the route time to become aware of the changes and adjust their driving habits. The Police Department will place its radar trailer in the affected areas to alert drivers to their speed.

Upon implementation on May 1, police officers will do high visibility monitoring to educate the public and ensure compliance with the new posted speed limit. After an initial warning period, the Police Department will begin issuing citations.

The City Council determined that speed limit reductions were important in order to allow Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV’s) to travel on most public roadways in Foster City. NEV’s use less energy and generate fewer emissions than traditional fuel vehicles. The City Council is encouraging all residents to consider electric vehicles as an energy-efficient alternative for in-town trips.

With these adjustments to speed limits, NEV’s can be legally driven on most Foster City streets except limited stretches of Foster City Boulevard, Edgewater Boulevard, East Hillsdale Boulevard and East Third Avenue. A map of Foster City’s roadways, showing the streets on which NEV’s can be driven, is available by following the link below.

For questions about the proposed speed limit changes, contact Police Captain Matt Martell at 650-286-3300 or Assistant Engineer Stan Workman at 650-286-3285.