DALTON: Additional concerns about speeding

I appreciate Mayor Jernigan’s attention to speeding concerns in Dalton Gardens. A designated deputy improves response time and speed control. The city paid for a deputy until recently when the cost would double. Although already budgeting and paying for the deputy, in the survey, the city asked if residents would support a tax increase to pay the full amount (as opposed to just the increase).

Last spring, I talked with Dalton Deputy Bishop about his experience. Bishop’s shift was Monday-Thursday, with frequent absence on Wednesdays for in-service training. His shift did not allow for traffic control during “before and after work” hours, the crucial time when excessive speeding happens and pedestrians are out. Usually only three deputies are on duty for the entire northern end of the county so a deputy would have to travel from way north or west, reducing incident response time.

The highest rate speeders between Dalton and Hanley are “before and after work” hours, such as 6:30-8:00 A.M. and 4:30-6:00 P.M. Many are driving at an excessive speed heading north from the Dalton Avenue stop sign. The speed is easily judged when you’re used to crossing the road to get your mail or sitting at your driveway waiting to enter the street. The safety of pedestrians and bicyclists is jeopardized. Many students are walking or biking/scootering to the middle or elementary schools.

Other traffic control measures have been studied and are not feasible, like stop signs when there’s no intersection. It’s indisputable that when an area is known as a “speed trap”, it’s effective for speed reduction. Dalton Gardens needs regular traffic control, and the city needs to enforce its laws.

KATHY EDLUND

Dalton Gardens