Lexington County residents driving through unincorporated subdivisions may have to slow down.

New speed limit signs will soon be popping up around such neighborhoods, setting a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.

The new limits will be imposed on “county-maintained roads within subdivisions” according to regulations adopted by Lexington County Council back in October. 

Lexington Public Works personnel will be updating signs within the county during the next few weeks, according to Lexington County officials.

The Lexington Police Department has confirmed that all in-town neighborhoods will now have a posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour.

Asked by the Chronicle what prompted the action, county officials said the move “aims to enhance safety and promote responsible driving within our communities.”

Previously posted speed limits in these areas varied from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Asked who would be the primary enforcement agency, county officials said most of the county’s subdivisions are unincorporated, and therefore enforcement is up to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Municipalities in Lexington County have their own set of speed limits.

In a joint effort with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, West Columbia recently cut speed limits to 25 miles per hour on roads north of Sunset Boulevard between North Lucas Street and McSwain Drive. Before the change, speed limits in that neighborhood ranged up to 30 miles per hour.

When speed limits are not posted in urban and residential areas, state law dictates a maximum of 30 miles per hour.