Photo by Howard Schnapp
We have on-going problem with motorists speeding on Mount Avenue in North Babylon. Most drivers go 40-to-50 mph and they ignore the speed zone for Brennan High School. They also frequently run through the stop signs.
-- Ira Hester, North Babylon
The Suffolk Police Department’s First Precinct says getting drivers to comply with traffic laws on Mount Avenue is a work in progress.
“It’s one of the locations that has been reported to us and we are continuing to take steps to curtail the traffic infractions from occurring there with both speeding and stop signs,” First Precinct Commander Insp. Robert Cassagne said.
Based on summonses issued on Mount Avenue, police presence this year is running about even with last year. In 2006, officers issued 428 tickets for traffic violations there, including 25 for stop signs. This year, 404 tickets have been issued, including 14 for stop signs, Cassagne said.
For streets plagued with traffic violators, police use anti-infraction deterrents - digital speed signs, so motorist know if they’re violating the speed limit, and patrols by the Community Oriented Police Enforcement (COPE) Unit and Crash Reduction Team, he said.
The goal, Cassagne said, is to “get people to stop at the stop signs and to not speed.” However, he said, “We’re not there yet...We need to continue the efforts not only at this location but at other locations.”
Residents who feel their street is dangerous because motorists don't heed traffic laws can email their local precinct. Cassagne said writers should get a response within one business day. Or, click here for precinct phone numbers.
Also related to this topic:
*“Rating Long Island’s most dangerous roads,” Newsday, Aug. 5, 2007
*Suffolk County’s Department of Public Works – Highway Division FAQs
