During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the effectiveness and future of the city's speed cushion traffic calming policy, which has been in place for approximately a year and a half. The policy currently allows for the installation of speed cushions on roads where more than 15% of vehicles exceed the speed limit by over 7 mph, provided certain traffic volume criteria are met.

Mister Galloway raised concerns about the placement of speed cushions on busier roads, such as Maryland Avenue, suggesting that the policy may need reevaluation to better reflect community needs. He proposed increasing the threshold for speed violations from 7 mph to 10 mph, but noted that this change could result in fewer roads qualifying for speed cushions.

Community member Billy Hawk, a resident of Woodruff Avenue, voiced strong support for a proposed speed cushion on his street, citing alarming speeding incidents that have made the road unsafe for pedestrians, including children. Hawk reported that local police had issued numerous speeding tickets in a short time frame, indicating a significant problem with traffic safety in the area.

The discussion highlighted differing opinions on the necessity and placement of speed cushions. Some officials expressed a desire to eliminate speed cushions on minor arterial roads to maintain traffic flow, while others emphasized the need for safety measures in high-traffic areas. The potential for new residential developments in the vicinity of Maryland Avenue was also noted, which could further impact traffic patterns.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing debate about balancing traffic safety with efficient road use, as officials and community members seek to address the challenges posed by speeding vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Further analysis and community feedback will be essential as the city considers modifications to its traffic calming policies.