Slow it down on Marion streets

Slow it down on Marion streets

Police step up enforcement to curb speeders

news@theeveningtimes.com Speed bumps haven’t worked.

Neither have stop signs.

Now residents who speed down Miller Drive may end up having to pay a speeding ticket.

The city agreed to step up traffic enforcement in the area after a resident complained of continued speeding.

“There was a decision at the time to put in stop signs, which was done. But we’re still continuing to see speeders and they are going through the stop sign,” Wes Garbarini told the Marion City Coun- cil. “So I’m here again to ask for additional measures, and if possible, a speed bump.”

The city installed two speed bumps on Miller Drive and did put up a stop signs at North George and South George at Garbarini’s request when he came before the council in 2015 over similar concerns. “If memory serves me correct, there are two speed bumps and multiple signs,” said Mayor Frank Fogleman.

“Yes, sir,” Garbarini said.

Garbarini said motorists are slowing down for the speed bumps, but there is a

quarter mile stretch of straight-away which is where the speeding problem

is. Fogleman asked him whether he had called the police.

“Have you asked for police scrutiny of the area?”

Fogleman said.

“I have,” Garbarini answered. “I haven’t seen them there recently.”

Fogleman said other than stepped up traffic enforcement, he is reluctant to put more speed bumps on the street.

“I don’t really know what to offer you … short of putting a speed bump at every lot line where every house is,” Fogleman said. “We can probably put in a speed bump that will accomplish what you want. But I think putting a speed bump that high and that wide will result in more people being unhappy.”

Fogleman suggested working with Marion Police Department to slow speeders down.

Let’s try the police and see if we can’t get some tickets issued and encourage your neighbors to slow down,” Fogleman said. “Maybe we can catch some people and write some tickets and get the word out about speeding.”

Fogleman asked whether Garbarini would be willing to let a police cruiser use his driveway to park.

“Twenty-four hours a day,” Garbarini said.

Marion Police Chief Gary Kelley said he would beef up patrol in the area.

“We can do some more out there,” Kelley said. “We’ve been in and out. We do the best we can do.”

By Mark Randall