Cranston City Council addresses speeding concerns and traffic safety measures

The Special Safety Services & Licenses Committee and City Council meetings held on June 23, 2025, in Cranston, Rhode Island, focused on critical safety issues, particularly concerning traffic enforcement and workplace safety amid rising temperatures.

During the meeting, a member of the public raised concerns about workplace safety, emphasizing the need for adequate hydration and air conditioning to prevent heat-related illnesses. The speaker advocated for 7 Stars Bakery to set a standard for supporting workers and maintaining safe working conditions.

The council then moved to the reappointment of David Clockston to the Building Appeals Board, which was unanimously approved by council members, highlighting the importance of volunteer service in local governance.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing traffic safety measures. Police Chief Colonel Winquist addressed numerous complaints regarding speeding and traffic violations throughout the city. He explained that the police department utilizes data-driven approaches to validate complaints and determine enforcement strategies. The department employs stealth devices to collect speed data, which helps identify high enforcement areas.

Colonel Winquist noted that speeding is the most common complaint received, and while the police conduct over 20,000 vehicle stops annually, the effectiveness of measures like speed bumps and cameras is debated. He pointed out that speed bumps can lead to increased noise and traffic issues, as drivers often accelerate before and after them. Additionally, speed cameras are currently limited to school zones by state law, which may not provide timely deterrents.

Council members expressed their concerns about speeding in various neighborhoods, particularly around schools. They discussed potential solutions, including the use of blinking speed signs and road narrowing to slow traffic. The idea of conducting traffic studies to gather data on specific problem areas was also emphasized.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the police department to continue addressing traffic concerns and to provide data to council members for further analysis. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing traffic enforcement with community safety and the need for effective communication between residents and local authorities.