A 10 mph speed limit has been set for downtown Vicksburg to ensure safety of customers, merchants and pedestrians, according to Vicksburg police.

In January, a permanent sign displaying the speed limit replaced a temporary one placed near Washington and Veto streets sometime in December. A 20 mph speed limit sign remains in place facing northbound traffic on the southeast corner of the intersection, but apparently has been trumped by the newer, slower maximum speed.

Deputy Police Chief Bobby Stewart said the lack of a speed limit downtown has been a concern for business owners in the area.

“Some of the merchants downtown were worried about people speeding in the area, so we had to set up an official speed limit to make sure that everyone drives safely,” said Deputy Chief Stewart.

Stewart believes that setting the speed limit will be beneficial to everyone.

“No one knew what the speed limit was downtown. Now that it is up, people can know exactly how fast they need to drive.”

Stewart said that the average cost of a ticket for speeding downtown is $174. Those stopped for speeding 20 miles over the 10mph speed limit will receive a ticket for $187.

Barbara Willingham, owner of Willingham’s on Washington Street, is happy about the new speed limit because it caters to older people who enjoy shopping in the area.

“I am very pleased with the speed limit because a lot of my clients are older and they may not be able to move as quickly across the street,” she said. “The slower speed limit will allow them to travel without getting hit by a speeding vehicle.”