During Monday’s meeting, the Carroll City Council gave final approval to adjust the speed zones on Grant Road near Fairview Elementary. The ordinance, which would move the start of the 25 mph zone an additional 220 feet farther north, was first introduced during the council’s Dec. 18 meeting, and Police Chief Brad Burke says they have not heard any substantial opposition to the ordinance change since then.
Due to the area in question being immediately adjacent to the school and residential neighborhood, safety is the driving factor behind the move. Previously, Burke noted traffic in that section was averaging close to 10.5 mph over the limit every day. The council favored the move but asked if drivers would have a “probationary” period to adjust.
The council approved the ordinance’s second reading, waived the third reading, and voted unanimously to adopt it, making the change effective immediately. However, the signs may take several weeks or longer to be moved due to wintry weather and frozen ground. Once the signs are positioned in their new locations, Burke says there will be a concerted enforcement effort to change driver habits in that area.