Committee backs resolution asking MNPD to boost targeted traffic enforcement, requests NDOT traffic‑calming review

The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee recommended approval of resolution RS 2024-905, asking the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) to increase targeted enforcement for serious moving violations and asking the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) to pursue infrastructure improvements and a study of traffic calming measures. The committee approved a substitute that narrowed enforcement priorities and an amendment asking MNPD to fill unstaffed positions in its traffic division; all motions passed by recorded committee recommendation votes.

The substitute, sponsored by Council Member Donna Toombs, directs MNPD to emphasize enforcement for reckless driving, DUI, speeding and distracted driving and to present a plan that includes consideration of non‑police traffic‑enforcement options. The amendment, offered by Council Member John Eslick, asks MNPD to fill unfilled traffic‑division officer positions. The substitute passed 11‑0, the amendment passed 11‑0 and the resolution as amended was recommended by the committee 11‑0.

Why it matters: committee members framed the measure as part of the city’s Vision Zero efforts to reduce pedestrian deaths and serious crashes. Sponsors said the resolution balances enforcement and infrastructure changes; several members emphasized the need to acknowledge Nashville’s history of racially disparate traffic stops and to avoid repeat harms while restoring enforcement where appropriate.

Discussion and key points - Sponsorship and intent: Council Member John Eslick introduced the original resolution as a nonbinding request to increase enforcement of traffic…