Motorists in downtown Fairhope's central business district will notice new speed limit signs have been posted, and the Fairhope Police Department will be enforcing the new 15-mile-per-hour speed limit.

On Oct. 23, Fairhope City Council approved the lowering of the speed limit from 25 to 15 mph after the Street and Traffic Control Committee made the recommendation.

Fairhope Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead said this move is important to public safety.

"The downtown business district is always busy with vehicle traffic and pedestrians walking and crossing streets," Hollinghead said. "Lowering the speed limit is the responsible thing to do to ensure the safety of everyone."

During the Oct. 23 city council meeting, Councilman Corey Martin said he had been asked by numerous constituents if this speed change would be enforced and if pedestrian police officers would be present in the areas to enforce the change.

In response to Gulf Coast Media's inquiry about enforcement, Hollinghead said, "Yes, the Fairhope Police Department will continue to make efforts in enforcing the speed limits."

Over the last year, Hollinghead said, there have been three minor incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. The adjusted speed limits now apply to the following areas:
•     Oak Avenue to Morphy Avenue (north and south)
•     Mershon Street to Summit Avenue (east and west)