Shorewood committee debates reckless-driving signs, defers decision until police can weigh in

The Shorewood Public Works Committee on Wednesday discussed whether to install signs warning that reckless driving may lead to arrest and vehicle impoundment under a recently adopted local ordinance, but deferred action until the police chief can attend a future meeting.

Trustee McGovern said the ordinance was intended as a deterrent and urged visible signage: “I hope that we can get some kind of sign up there. We, you know, we passed this ordinance to try to provide a deterrent for reckless driving,” and noted a similar Milwaukee measure that led to towing of vehicles used in reckless driving.

The debate centered on design, placement and likely impact. One trustee argued for a prominent, graphic sign with color and minimal text—subject to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices—so the village can send “a very clear cold water message” to people who might treat Shorewood’s streets differently from nearby Milwaukee. The same trustee suggested seasonal yard signs or a row of colorful, eye-catching signs by the high school as lower-cost alternatives.

Others questioned whether any sign would reach the drivers most at risk. “I can tell you with 100% certainty that that sign is not going to do anything,” said a committee member, echoing skepticism that motorists driving well above the limit would notice or obey new signage. Leanne, who answered procurement questions for the subcommittee, said graphic signs would have to be custom made and noted that the village’s authority to tow is not contingent on posting a sign: “You'd have to have it custom made,” and “If somebody's driving recklessly, I don't think they're going to see this sign and say, 'Okay, I'm going to slow down now.'"

Members framed possible next steps around the familiar trio of approaches—education, enforcement and engineering. Several trustees said engineering changes to street geometry on Capitol Drive would take years and require county or state involvement; that left education and enforcement as nearer-term options. Multiple members asked to invite the police chief to explain enforcement capacity and whether officers can and will pursue towing under the ordinance this summer.

No formal vote was taken. Committee members agreed to place the item back on the agenda for the June 1 meeting if the chief is available, or otherwise on the next June meeting, and asked the parks and public spaces pedestrian/bike subcommittee to return with any additional creative ideas before that date.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m.