Residents demand action as speeding crisis escalates

During a recent government meeting, officials addressed growing concerns about speeding in residential areas, particularly on Pine Valley Drive and Chatsworth Drive. Residents reported frequent instances of vehicles exceeding the speed limit, with one resident noting a car traveling at 43 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone. This prompted discussions on potential traffic calming measures to enhance safety.

Public Works Superintendent Mister Hill presented data collected from traffic monitoring devices installed on Pine Valley Drive and Aniston Way. Over a month and a half, Pine Valley Drive recorded 140,263 vehicles, averaging 3,400 daily, with an average speed of 36.62 mph. The data indicated that the 85th percentile speed was 43 mph, raising concerns about compliance with the posted speed limit.

In response to the findings, officials outlined a plan to install a warning sign on Pine Valley Drive to alert drivers to reduce speed ahead, followed by the installation of a speed hump. These measures aim to mitigate speeding before the intersection with St. Andrews Way, where the speed limit drops to 25 mph.

On Chatsworth Drive, traffic data showed an average speed of 25.48 mph, with 41,000 vehicles recorded over the same period. Officials noted that no additional traffic calming measures were deemed necessary at this time, although they acknowledged the presence of golf carts, which may affect average speed calculations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city officials to continue monitoring traffic patterns and to explore further traffic calming solutions as needed. The council also moved to discuss future property acquisitions and economic development proposals in a closed session.