City Manager, City of LargoI protest the fact that the city has set up a speed trap on 66th Street in the south bound lane. This construction project has been going for quite some time now and I have never seen anyone blatantly violating the law. In fact the problem seems to be that there are no signs on the south bound side of the road announcing the construction project as there are on the north bound side of the street which makes it very confusing. The Largo Police have taken advantage of this situation to educate the citizens of this area as to what the law really is -$331.00 traffic fines are being handed out by the hundreds or at least as fast as they can write. What is the point except to create a hardship for those of us whom they snare, and collect money for the city and state. The chief says the city gets very little of this money, so what is the motive for spreading misery. Surely the reason is not to educate the citizens of Largo. Gone are the days when the purpose of government is to serve and bless the people. It looks to us who must suffer that we are here to serve the government. Wouldn't it have served the common good to have simply put up sign that clearly marked the road from Ulmerton Road to 126th Avenue as a construction site. No such sign exists on the south bound side of the street. Once again, annoyed, disgruntled, and extremely distrustful of the government of the City of Largo that I have my business and have resided for the past 30 plus years. Figure out another way to raise money and keep the streets safe. - Charles Train
__________________________________________
Dear Mr. Train, In response to your communication to the City Manager regarding Largo Police Department traffic enforcement in the construction zone on 66th Street. Our presence there is a direct result of pleas made to us by the construction management company. They are extremely concerned about the reckless nature of the motoring public that put the construction workers at peril and have asked us to intervene. I have personally visited this site to monitor the situation and have been appalled at what I have observed. As a result, Largo police have stepped up enforcement in an effort to safeguard the safety of the workers. It should be noted that our enforcement only begins with the most reckless of drivers who drive at 15 mph or more over the posted construction speed limit, which is CLEARLY POSTED. We are also making arrangements to have addition D.O.T. approved signs posted that state "My Daddy Works Here Please Drive Safely" It is unfortunate that you received a ticket from us. - Lester Aradi, Chief of Police
|