A new bill (SB 2804) amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to increase the maximum spacing between buildings for “residence districts” from 300 feet apart to 500 feet apart, increasing the areas in Illinois where local governments may establish speed limits of 25 miles per hour.  Such lower speed limits are safer for pedestrians and other vehicles.  The Illinois Compiled Statutes provide that, upon the basis of an engineering or traffic investigation, local governments may establish lower speed limits in urban and residence districts than in other areas.  In urban districts, unless a different speed limit is established and excluding alleys, the maximum speed is 30 mph.  Local governments may establish speed limits from 20 mph to 55 mph in urban districts.  Outside of urban districts, unless a different speed limit is established, the maximum speed limit for local jurisdiction roads is 55 mph.  In these areas, local governments can establish different speed limits in residence districts from 25 mph to 55 mph, or from 35 mph to 55 mph outside of residence districts.