May 3, 2018

EPD Chief Watson implements special traffic enforcements near schools



"In response to numerous traffic safety complaints at several of the Eureka City Schools (such as Zane Middle School, Washington Elementary and Eureka High), I have implemented new special traffic enforcement operations on an overtime basis. The primary complaints we've been receiving include parking / stopping in the clearly painted and marked “no parking” red zones, double parking, and speeding in school zones.

Past efforts to remedy these issues have included the installation of "Red zone" and "No double parking" signs posted where these offenses are taking place. These locations were identified after extensive studies by city engineers, with the safety of pedestrian children in mind, to increase the sight lines for motorists to better see pedestrians and vice versa. We have also previously worked with the school district to notify parents and staff of these issues.

The extra traffic enforcement periods encompass the prime times when parents are dropping off or picking up their children (which is when the majority of violations are occurring). Again, this extra enforcement activity (which, due to reduced staffing, is dependent on the availability of officers willing to work during their off hours) is intended for the safety of the children based on numerous complaints from parents and school staff.

Last Friday, an officer working this special detail issued over 9 citations near Zane Middle School for offenses including speeding.

EPD hasn't had a dedicated traffic enforcement unit for several years now. I intend to bring back two full-time Traffic Officers as soon as staffing permits. "

All the best,

Chief Steve Watson

1 comment:

  1. CHP could take a lesson from the Cheif.... Mckinleyville is out of control.

    ReplyDelete

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