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Mobile officials cite 5‑day study showing high speeds; council weighs off‑street racing options
Summary
Police told Mobile City Council a five‑day study found more than 8,700 vehicles in the study area and 31% were speeding, with some drivers recorded over 100 mph; councilmembers urged continued enforcement and suggested exploring a legal off‑street venue and road‑geometry fixes.
Mobile City officials and the police outlined steps they are taking to address reports of illegal street drag racing, following a five‑day traffic study that recorded heavy speeding in a neighborhood officials identified as a concern.
At a council briefing, the police chief said officers conducted a five‑day study in the area and that “over 8,700 vehicles passed through there, and 31% of them were speeding, some over 100 miles an hour.” The department said it has increased targeted enforcement, requires supervisors to summarize each shift’s findings for the captain, and is conducting close patrols several times per week.
Councilmembers described a recurring pattern of illegal racing that has moved around the city. Councilmember Carroll suggested seeking an off‑street outlet for people who build and race cars, noting “maybe we need to find a place where we could lease or rent...give them time and space to actually race these cars off the street.” Several members said enforcement alone will be insufficient to stop illegal street racing.
Staff from public works and engineering discussed road design changes intended to reduce speeds. A staff member described introducing gentle roadway geometry or shoulder rumble grooves as possible measures but cautioned that such changes could require resurfacing the full corridor. Staff estimated that resurfacing the section could cost roughly $3,400,000 and said adding curbs would require a separate calculation.
On enforcement thresholds, council members asked how the department determines when speeding becomes a criminal offense. A council member cited Section 13A‑6‑24 on reckless endangerment, and police said reckless driving or endangerment charges depend on whether a driver’s conduct creates a substantial risk to others; the chief indicated that being roughly 25 miles per hour over the posted limit is a guideline for pursuing more serious charges and referring cases to a magistrate.
The council directed police to continue the monitoring and to increase enforcement where the public reports ongoing activity. The chief also said staffing changes could expand traffic unit capacity: based on current attrition and hiring, the department hopes to add personnel to the traffic unit by March of next year.
The briefing produced no formal votes or new ordinances; officials said the next steps are continued enforcement, further engineering study, and exploration of off‑street venue options.
