Pat Lockwood advocates for traffic circle and safety measures on Highway 260

The Payson Town Council held a regular meeting on July 9, 2025, where community safety and traffic management were prominent topics of discussion. The meeting featured public comments advocating for improvements to local traffic conditions, particularly focusing on the proposed traffic circle at Longhorn and McLean.

One resident expressed strong support for the traffic circle, highlighting its safety benefits. They noted that traffic circles provide safe zones for pedestrians, allowing them to pause while crossing roads, which enhances safety compared to traditional intersections. The speaker also emphasized the convenience of maintaining smooth traffic flow, especially at larger circles along the Beeline Highway.

Another resident, Pat Lockwood, raised concerns about the Highway 260 corridor between Payson and Star Valley. Lockwood described the reckless driving and speeding that occur daily along this stretch, citing a lack of enforcement as a significant issue. They reported that despite a recent reduction in the speed limit from 55 to 50 mph, violations continue unabated due to insufficient enforcement resources.

Lockwood urged the town to collaborate with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to implement additional safety measures. These included further reducing the speed limit, adding more speed limit signs, and installing digital speed signs to monitor vehicle speeds. They also called for increased police presence to enforce traffic laws and protect residents and visitors from potential accidents.

The meeting underscored the community's ongoing concerns regarding traffic safety and the need for proactive measures to address these issues. The council is expected to consider the residents' suggestions as they work towards improving road safety in Payson.