The Charleston City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to reduce the speed limit on Fourth Street to 20 mph.

Charleston residents and Eastern students have reacted to the reduced speed limit with mixed reviews.

Lisa Price, a Charleston resident, said she thinks the reduced speed limit will beneficial.

“I think it’s a great idea if it improves safety,” Price said.

Michael Livingston, a junior music major, said he thought the idea of lowering the speed limit was good, but he said he felt that not everyone might follow the new restrictions.

Livingston also mentioned the people that engage in drunken driving would not follow the restrictions, but he said that he sees no reason not to have the reduced speed limit.

Elizabeth Smith, a senior communication studies major, said she could see both sides of the issue.

“I feel there is an advantage and disadvantage to (the reduced speed limit),” Smith said.

Smith said she saw the advantage of the reduced speed limit for pedestrians but feels there will be a disadvantage to drivers.

Smith said she also feels that is would be a disadvantage to drivers who now have to drive at a reduced speed.

“People have to wait unnecessarily to get where they are going,” Smith said.

Charleston resident Annalisa Switzer said she thought the idea of the new reduced speed limits was “silly.”

Switzer said she felt college students were old enough to look both ways before crossing the street. Switzer also said she felt Charleston High School should receive more attention regarding traffic safety.

Switzer said she felt a stoplight was needed at the exit of Charleston High School.

Denise Whaley of Casey said she felt she would never had noticed the change in the speed limit, but admitted that she thinks 20 mph is slow.

Kara Baker, a junior biology major, said she felt that lowering the speed limit did not address the real issue of pedestrians who are negligent when crossing and would also make it more likely for driver to be pulled over.

“I feel like it’s going to be too much of a hassle for drivers,” Baker said.

Andre Allen, a senior communication studies major, said he felt the reduced speed limit was appropriate.

Allen said he also felt pedestrians needed to be more aware.

The city council announced Tuesday it will be looking at other areas in Charleston to increase pedestrian and traffic safety.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.