City Traffic Engineer John Van Winkle is again urging the City Council to raise the speed limit on MLK Boulevard.
The council rejected upping the speed limit from the current 25 mph in 2008.
However, Andrae McGary, the new councilman for the district that includes the MLK area, said he favors an increase from 25 mph to 30 mph.
Mr. Van Winkle wants to raise the section of MLK Boulevard from Palmetto Street to Central Avenue to 35 mph. Councilman McGary said it should be 30 mph the entire length.
The traffic engineer said studies continue to show drivers going at a much higher speed than 25 mph on MLK Boulevard.
He said nearby streets, including 10th and 11th streets are 30 mph.
He said the change to 25 mph was made when MLK Boulevard was converted from one-way to two-way.
Council Chairman Jack Benson said a number of new residents have gone in along MLK Boulevard and they want to be able to cross the street safely.
Councilman Peter Murphy said it should not be left up to residents to set speed limits, saying some might want it as low as 15 mph.
Mr. Van Winkle said having a speed limit that is too low can cause additional traffic safety problems, with some cars speeding up and passing the few cars obeying the speed limit.