Police crackdown on speeding in school zones

PALMER, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - With the first week of school already in the rearview mirror for many districts across western Massachusetts, the Palmer Police Department is informing the public about what they found while cracking down on speeding in school zones.

The number of drivers pulled over by police could be considered a bit stunning.

In just four days of school, the Palmer Police Department told Western Mass News they stopped nearly 30 vehicles for going more than 12-miles-per hour over the 20 mile-per-hour school zone speed limit.

Along with an officer in the school zone, the department says sign boards were also deployed, and the flashing 20 MPH School Zone lights were on. We’re also told that the department used additional patrols thanks to a Safety Grant. Western Mass News spoke with parents and guardians at dismissal outside of palmer high school to see if they feel these types of measures are necessary.

“Yeah, absolutely I think it’s important. I feel like that it needs to be. I’ve noticed it too as well like some of the speeders they go too fast around the school buses or something like that, so I noticed that they posted at the beginning over when you come in the speed limit, which is helping I think yeah, I think it’s very important for sure.” Said Palmer resident Connie Rolfe.“ I’ve noticed it from the jump but I think it’s gotten worse over the years.” She added.

Another stunning number beyond the school zone, police said in the past week they have also pulled over nearly 130 vehicles across town due to speed complaints. Troy Schofield, an uncle who picks up his niece from Palmer High School every day, told us he’s happy that drivers are being educated: “Yeah, it’s a good thing because I see them passing school buses and stuff like that that ain’t good either so it’s pretty bad and people just don’t pay attention. They’re on their phones all the time and stuff like that so yeah, it’s pretty bad out there.”

Police said speed signs will be deployed around town to hopefully reduce speeding.