Enforcement alone isn't going to turn any tides.
Streets designed to be traveled at high rates of speed for maximum pass-through effect will encourage speeding.
But it is refreshing to have a police chief who does not come out of the gate denying there is a problem. It sounds as though Todd Bailey might offer more than setting up a cursory hour's worth of radar research, as occurred last year. He even sounds like he gives a damn.
Mark my words: If the Jeff Speck study comes back as most of us think it will, and even if the city adapts every single proposal, you can bet your paycheck that Spring Street will be the last section of it to be completed. That's why the city's propensity to wait for the study results must be combated; it's merely an excuse to continue ignoring the problem. That's why I appreciate the chief of police's support these past two days.
Police monitoring speeding along Spring Street in New Albany; Traffic enforcement enhanced in response to residents' complaints, by Daniel Suddeath (N and T)
NEW ALBANY — Responding to complaints from city residents, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said traffic enforcement has been enhanced along Spring Street.
Two residents that spoke during the New Albany Board of Public Works Meeting Tuesday also questioned the city’s policy regarding weight and safety standards for tractor-trailers.
Bailey said he will research the city’s laws — if there are any — regarding weight limits for vehicles, and report back to the board of works next week.
The issue has also been raised by New Albany City Councilman John Gonder, who said he was concerned about the damage habitual use of the roads by heavy commercial vehicles will cause to streets.
With East Main Street constricted due to construction, Roger Baylor, co-owner of the New Albanian Brewing Co. who resides off Spring Street, said more tractor-trailers are appearing on other city streets.
Large, fast-traveling vehicles such as tractor-trailers are hazardous to residents, particularly pedestrians, Baylor said.
He added that speeding is a general problem on Spring Street regardless of the type of vehicle.
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ReplyDeleteI think there's a possibility for a truck route around New Albany that would keep heavy vehicles off the city streets for the most part--several years ago, a friend told me about a route that seemed feasible. I'll see if they recall what it was and pass it on.
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