North Vernon City Council approved changes affecting parking on High Street and the speed limit on West Walnut Street.

Under the ordinances approved Wednesday night, parking will be prohibited on the south side of High Street from the intersection with State Road 3 to the intersection with Stockwell Street. Council members say they’ve personally driven on this section of road and realize that the street simply isn’t wide enough to allow the safe flow of traffic without the new restriction.

Under the ordinance, vehicles that are parked on the south side of this section of High Street are subject to fines and towing.

Council also voted 4-0 to lower the speed limit on West Walnut Street. From the intersection of State Road 3 to the intersection with Norris Avenue, the speed limit is now 30 MPH. From Norris Avenue to Hayden Pike, the speed limit is 35 MPH. West Walnut Street from the intersection of Hayden Pike to the western city limits now has a speed limit of 45 MPH.

North Vernon officials noted that this portion of road used to be under state control and had a speed limit of 55 MPH. Since control has reverted to the city, North Vernon Police and the city engineer analyzed traffic activity and determined that the lower speed limits would benefit area residents

New speed limit signs are expected to be posted in the coming weeks.