Lathrop leaders could take advantage of state law that allows them to lower vehicle speed limits during applicable school-zone periods in a bid to improve the safety margin for students walking, bicycling, and crossing streets near schools.

The City Council when they meet Monday at 6 p.m. will weigh a staff proposal to reduce speed limits to 15 mph and 20 mph at select locations at schools throughout Lathrop.

The two different speed limits are based on criteria local jurisdictions must take into account to justify putting them in place.

The council will hold a public hearing, consider all information and public testimony, introduce and conduct the first reading of the proposed ordinance, and adopt the accompanying 20 mph and 15 mph resolutions.

The lower 15 mph limit can only be established on roadways located within a residential district, contain no more than two traffic lanes, and have a maximum posted 30 mph prima facie speed limit immediately before and after the school zone.

In addition, the proposed 15 mph school zone segment must meet applicable requirements related to school -ground proximity, signing, and application to all lanes and both directions of travel.

The resolutions will become operative after the ordinance to amend Lathrop Municipal Code Section 10. 08. 030 becomes effective and applicable speed -limit signs are installed.

Staff conducted a review of school -zone roadway segments to evaluate opportunities to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for students walking and bicycling to and from school.

The review considered school-related pedestrian and bicycle activity, crossings, loading and pickup/ dropoff activity, roadway configuration, existing posted speed limits, and applicable California Vehicle Code requirements.