Lexington council members covered a variety of traffic related issues during a committee meeting Tuesday. One item talked about often involves motorists running through red lights.
Police Lieutenant Chris Schnelle said even an observed violator may not be pulled over immediately. “If we’re at a large intersection and someone does run the light, are they causing more troubles going out through the intersection to chase after them? This does not impede the officer later once they do get the green light and can proceed through, the violator doesn’t have to be stopped immediately after the infraction,” said Schnelle.
Council Member Jake Gibbs, who placed the item in committee, said he would like to see cameras at intersections to catch violators.
Committee Chair Jennifer Mossotti also asked Public Safety Commissioner Ken Armstrong about the number of officers assigned to traffic control. “In 2010, you didn’t have the numerous amount of bike lanes, you didn’t have the cell phones, you didn’t have the texting, you didn’t have all the driver distraction. You’ve got a lot more of that now, so I’m asking why is the allocation just about the same as 2010? I would think it would be greater,” inquired Mossotti.
“I think honestly when you look at that you see the curve. I think we’re headed in that direction,” noted Armstrong.
Armstrong added there are additional responsibilities today including a heavier focus on violent crime.
