CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – The volatile issue of speed limits on New Hampshire lakes has resurfaced, with the state saying it is ready to begin testing enforcement – if lawmakers give the okay. Assistant Safety Commissioner Earl Sweeney told a House committee on Friday that his department is ready to put speed limits in effect in two areas of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Speed around Bear Island and Rattlesnake Island, two of the most popular spots on the state’s largest lake, would be limited to 45 mph in the daytime and 25 mph at night. “These are areas we felt nearly everyone would agree would be a reasonable place to impose a speed limit,” Sweeney said at a House hearing on a speed limit bill.

The House is considering a bill to implement boating limits.

Sweeney said the pilot plan would give the state information on how effective radar would be on the water and the costs involved in enforcement. It would also give officials a feel for how district courts would handle boat speeding tickets.

Proposals for boat speed limits draw about the same number of supporters as opponents at public hearings. The House passed a speed limit bill last year, but the Senate killed the bill.

During the summer, Lake Winnipesaukee area residents petitioned Safety Commissioner Richard Flynn for an administrative hearing, hoping he would set speed limits with his rule-making authority.

The proposed pilot project was the result of the plea.

“Sentiment was so evenly split that we felt it would be presumptuous of us to take any action until the Legislature could have an opportunity to consider the issue again,” Sweeney said.

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com

AP-ES-03-17-07 1152EDT

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