Troubles with speeders in Lawrence

The Emery County Commission addressed the issue of speeding in their meeting on Tuesday. Anne Cox, Lawrence resident along with Bob Wilson came to the meeting to express their concerns on people speeding through Lawrence and running the four way stop signs at the intersection in Lawrence.
Commissioner Paul Cowley said this is not just a problem in Lawrence. He thinks there is speeding throughout the county.
Cox presented information on a variety of flashing signs which alert drivers to their speeds. She also presented cost estimates for the signs. The speed through the town of Lawrence is 30 mph. The speed on the outlying roads is 45 mph.
Cox thanked the commission and the sheriff’s office for being willing to help with the speeding problem. She has talked to Wayde Nielsen from the road department and he thinks people don’t pay attention to the road signs.
She said a lot of children live in Lawrence and ride their bikes, horses and the traffic goes way to fast. Children aren’t very good at judging speeds of cars or paying attention to traffic. The drivers need to be on the lookout for children.  In most accidents involving children and vehicles, it’s the child at fault.
She thinks a sign with flashing speeds like Huntington has would be helpful. Sheriff Greg Funk said they are gathering data on the speeds through the communities.
Cox said Wellington has a reputation for not speeding through their community or you will be ticketed. She thinks giving out tickets could help. Also, the funds gathered from tickets could be used to help purchase signs.
Sheriff Funk said he has been patrolling out there and he sees many Cleveland and Elmo people using the Lawrence road.
Commissioner Cowley suggested ticketing a few of the speeders. If the word got out you’re going to get a ticket, speeds could decrease. It’s busy out there most of the time with peaks in the morning, noon and evening hours.
Sheriff Funk checked speeds for five hours one day and he counted 48 vehicles with the average speed of  41 mph. through the 30 mph zone.
Wilson said he has seen cars traveling anywhere from 45-75 mph through Lawrence.
It was suggested patrol cars set-up and wait from time to time at different locations to check speed.
Commissioner Keith Brady thanked the Lawrence residents for their presentation and offering solutions.  The commission will continue to look into the matter. Possible sources of funding could come from the road department budget.