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Mayfield residents and council weigh speed bumps, enforcement after farmer reports equipment damage
Summary
Farmers and residents told the Mayfield Town Council that a temporary rubber speed bump is slowing some drivers but risks damaging farm equipment; the council discussed enforcement options including rental speed trailers, periodic police patrols, automated tickets and relocating the bump.
The Mayfield Town Council on Wednesday fielded extended public comment about a temporary rubber speed bump on Southfields Road after several residents, including farmer Jay Yardley, told the council the device can damage farm equipment and vehicles.
Yardley said the bump can cause thousands of dollars in damage to tractors and baling equipment if hit at speed and asked who would pay for repairs. "If I hit it or a hired man happens to hit it wrong, it's gonna cost thousands and thousands of dollars," Yardley said during public comment. Chair (speaker 2) acknowledged the concern and said the speed bump was installed to draw attention to a documented speeding problem.
Why it matters: The bump has reduced speeds at one approach but residents and farmers said it prompts drivers to swerve around the device or speed up afterward, creating new safety and equipment-risk tradeoffs. Councilors and residents discussed alternatives ranging from digital speed-display signs and rumble strips to contracting periodic police enforcement with Gunnison and automated camera-based ticketing.
Council response and options: Council members said they have explored renting one or two large mobile speed-trailer units from UDOT for summer deployment and will continue discussing options in work meetings. A councilor estimated a contract for regular officer presence could cost roughly $40,000 for limited coverage, a figure attendees said may be infeasible for constant enforcement. The council asked residents to bring ideas and said it will prioritize solutions that do not damage farm equipment while improving safety.
Next steps: The council will continue discussing placement, timing and alternative measures in work sessions and said it may move or remove the temporary bump when a less-damaging solution is identified. The public can expect further updates at upcoming council meetings.
