NILES Residents want more stop signs

The city engineer said the stop signs are not meant to deter speeders, but rather to control traffic.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Cedar Street residents concerned about speeding cars want someone in the city to do something.
"We're not saying you haven't already tried, but we just want to see more," Helena Watkins told Police Chief Bruce Simeone at Wednesday's city council meeting.
Watkins and Tammy Ramsey have collected signatures on a petition asking the city to put up more stop and child-watch signs along the road, especially between Vienna and Robbins avenues.
The women said cars are "booming" down the road, and installing the stop signs at four-way intersections could act as a deterrent.
They noted many of the intersections previously had stop signs.
City Engineer Mark Hess said that after a 1992 study conducted by the Ohio Department of Transportation, it was determined many of the city's 46 four-way stops were not necessary.
Hess said the need for stop signs is based on traffic counts and accidents. The stop signs along Cedar Street were removed in 1994.
Hess added stop signs are not meant to deter speed, but rather to control traffic.
What's being done
Simeone pointed out that in recent months officers have stepped up patrols in the area. Last year, 29 tickets were issued along Cedar Street, and 22 have been issued so far this year for speeding, DUI and other offenses.
"Cedar Street is one of the areas we've dedicated more man-hours to," he said.
Simeone also said some increased traffic flow should cease once work on Robbins Avenue is complete, but in the meantime, officers will do what they can.
Already, he said, the department set up an electronic speed gauge on one street and will bring in a second unit at the other end.
Council members also suggested residents in the area keep records of license plates of vehicles speeding down the street.
Law Director J. Terrence Dull said residents could file their own complaints against speeders, or if information collected shows one vehicle repeatedly speeding, his office might be able to take action.
slshaulis@vindy.com