Driving through Surfside Beach’s entertainment district just got much slower. Here’s why.

A major safety change is now in place inside Surfside Beach’s entertainment district as town leaders look for ways to boost livability and tourism.

The speed limit along a two-block stretch of Ocean Boulevard was dropped from 25 mph to 10 mph on May 3 following a 4-3 council vote with support from its parking committee.

“If at the end of the year we do not see an increase in the safety, we would recommend bringing in an engineer to come up with a plan to do better,” town administrator William Sheehan said during an April 25 council meeting.

Slowing traffic through the district is the latest step by officials to balance Surfside Beach’s tourism with safety needs of residents. Council members are considering whether fireworks should be allowed every night rather than just on July 4, as currently allowed.

Information on how many accidents or pedestrian injuries that have occurred in the area over the past year was not immediately available.

Known locally as the “e-district,” the area was created in 2018, anchored by plans to rebuild a pier destroyed by Hurricane Matthew. It also allows for outdoor entertainment through midnight.

Councilman William Drake said reducing the speed limit will enhance quality of life in the area, as additional stop signs and other pedestrian-friendly additions.

Town officials also learned that parking revenues are climbing rapidly. In March, Surfside Beach collected $24,038 — a 36 percent uptick from March 2021.