Sunday, December 29, 2002
The chief said police ticket about 20 motorists a month.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
WASHINGTONVILLE -- Is it Speed Trap, U.S.A., here in Washingtonville?
Police Chief J.R. Blakeman says absolutely not.
Blakeman said that area motorists have long thought of the stretch of state Route 14 through the village as a speed trap but that it's a reputation his department doesn't deserve.
"We write on the average about 20 speeding tickets a month on Route 14," he said. "I think that's pretty conservative for the amount of traffic on that road."
About 27,000 vehicles travel the highway daily, he said.
"Anyone who wants to is more than welcome to come and check the books, but the speed trap notion is unwarranted," he said. "Anyone looking for tickets for 36 [mph] in a 35 [mph] zone will be disappointed. Most are for speeds 12 miles over the limit or more."
Blakeman said traffic flow on the village stretch of Route 14 has been fairly consistent the past few years. He expects that will change, however, once Wal-Mart opens on the east side of neighboring Salem.
Plans for intersection
Anticipating the increase in traffic, village officials are working with the Ohio Department of Transportation to install a traffic light and turning lanes at Route 14 and Washingtonville Road, he said.
Blakeman said that although a shoestring budget doesn't allow him to have as many officers as he'd like, he commended the efforts of those on the roster.
He had hoped a police levy would provide funding for more staffers and equipment, but voters rejected the request in November.
The 3-mill continuing levy would have given the department about $19,000 per year and cost the owner of a $70,000 home in the village about $64 each year.
Blakeman is the only full-time officer. There are five part-time patrol officers, and several others volunteer to gain experience.
He said the cruiser donated to the department earlier this year by the Poland Township Police Department has been invaluable.
"It has been an excellent vehicle for us," he said. "I couldn't be happier."
The department had the cruiser painted with appropriate Washingtonville markings and installed new light bars. Much of the equipment needed to properly outfit the cruiser was also donated, he said.
Blakeman said that although the donated cruiser mainly serves as a backup in the event the main cruiser needs service, he also uses both for road patrols as officers are available.