VB to lower Shore Drive speed limit

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Electronic signs began alerting drivers Wednesday of the change headed to Shore Drive in Virginia Beach.

Council members decided unanimously Tuesday night to lower the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph between North Great Neck Road and Pleasure House Road.

This comes after two recent pedestrian deaths on that section of Shore Drive: second grade teacher Whitney Hulce in April, and 21-year-old Arnold "Dobbie" Jones in October.

Flowers and crosses are laid at various intersections as reminders of those who lost lives. Many who mourn loved ones fight for a safer corridor--one they believe will come in part by slowing it down.

"Our main goal is not to change a law, it's to save a life," said Erin Tonelson. She is a part of "Save Lives on Shore Drive," a grass roots organization lobbying for safety improvements on the Virginia Beach road.

Tonelson learned in April, after Hulce died, they were sorority sisters. Last October, Jones one of Tonelson's friends also died. Both were pedestrians hit by cars, late at night, in the same area of Shore Drive.

"He was a great young man and his life was taken away. It's a tragedy, the same with Whitney," she said. "Whatever you're doing, if you're trying to cross the street you don't deserve to die."

Not everyone believes a slower Shore Drive will make the corridor safer. After three decades of living along Shore Drive, John Moffett said, "You have to be careful, as if you were crossing Virginia Beach Boulevard. You have to look both ways and be careful."

Beach Councilman Bill DeSteph said enforcement will be phased in over time. Once the change happens June 15, police will give warnings to speeders for at least a month before drivers face tickets and fines.

Aside from the speed limit reduction, the council aims to put in flashing lights at pedestrian crossings and increase sidewalk space.