THPD has upped presence, installed new signs
“We just wanted to thank the town officials that took the time to hear our concerns in regards to the speeding on Firefighters Memorial Drive!! The new speed limit signs and radar signs are already making a difference, thank you again!”
That was a post on the Highlands Community Facebook page last week from a resident of Firefighters Memorial Drive. It came just days after Town of Highlands Police and Highway Department workers installed not only a portable electronic speed sign, but also new yellow cautionary speed signs along the busy stretch of road.
THPD Chief Frank Pierri said the new signage is in response to complaints by residents, as well as reports from his officers about what they were seeing. While the speed limit on the road is 30 miles per hour — mandated by New York State — Pierri agrees that is pretty high for the road, especially since there are not only homes on it, but a frequently used park.
Those who use the road will notice that those new yellow signs say the speed limit is 20 miles per hour.
“The 20 mph isn’t enforceable, but for those who aren’t familiar with the area, it’s a good indication of the speed they should be going,” he said. “Truthfully, we really aren’t looking to issue tickets as much as we are looking to educate drivers.”
The electronic sign helps with that, flashing ‘thank you’ to those going 20 mph or lower, and ‘slow down’ to those going a higher speed. Right on a bend, it easily catches the attention of those traveling south on the road.
To help keep the area safe, the Town Board recently banned parking on the west side of Firefighters Memorial Drive, giving a clear line of sight for motorists, and preventing problems with children crossing the road between cars.
In one further move, Pierri said his officers are now doing four traffic posts a day in that area, in plain sight.
“We’re not trying to be stealthy,” the chief said. “We want people to see us, and to slow down.”
