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Residents press Soddy‑Daisy officials on speeding, school‑zone safety and potential traffic measures
Summary
Residents raised concerns about high speeds on neighborhood streets and inconsistent school‑zone signals; officials said enforcement has been active, speed cameras generated $213,722.71 since January 2024, and staff will investigate engineering options such as speed bumps (estimated up to $40,000).
Residents told the Soddy‑Daisy Board of Commissioners on April 16 that speeding in residential areas is creating safety hazards and urged stronger measures.
Josh Shipley of 9849 Vine Street said vehicles use his street as a cut‑through and that some drivers reach speeds up to 100 mph. He said he has contacted police at least 10 times but officers cannot monitor the street continuously. Police Officer Barker Vaughn asked for more identifying details about vehicles; Police Chief Petty said crime‑suppression officers have spent substantial time on Vine Street and that a cream‑colored vehicle had been stopped and towed recently.
City Manager Johnson said speed bumps would require engineering and could cost as much as $40,000, and that staff will look into options. The board also discussed the city’s speed‑camera program: Johnson reported the program had generated $213,722.71 from 8,250 tickets since January 2024, with roughly half of those tickets paid. Vice‑Mayor Penney clarified that cameras issue tickets only when a vehicle is 11 miles per hour over the posted limit.
Resident Brenda Pickett raised a related concern about school‑zone lights at Ivy Academy, reporting that northbound flashing lights were on while southbound lights were not. Public Works Director Grant said the lights are timed and may turn off before a driver exits the zone depending on time of day; City Manager Johnson said police check the school zones daily. Police Chief Petty said the cameras are not active on Saturdays though state law allows 24/7 operation, and that speeder counts are decreasing; officials noted that traffic patterns are expected to change when a new middle school opens.
The board asked staff to investigate traffic‑calming measures and to follow up on constituent reports, including reviewing posted signage and enforcement patterns. City Manager Johnson also suggested residents provide timestamped video evidence to assist police investigations.
