PORTSMOUTH — As a result of feedback from residents who attended a traffic safety meeting Nov. 6, the Department of Public Works will be installing 15 mph speed limit signs on Lepes Road and new stop signs in the adjacent neighborhoods.
On Nov. 6 Police Chief Tom Lee and Public Works Director Dave Kehew met with residents from the Prospect, Sea Meadow and Lepes neighborhoods at Town Hall to discuss traffic safety.
In addition to the new signs, police will continue to conduct traffic enforcement in the area focusing on speeding and stop sign violations.
In addition, residents who observe flagrant traffic violations are requested to contact Officer Cahoon at jcahoon@portsmouthri.com. He will follow up in a reasonable time and advise residents of his findings, according to police.
Police are requesting that those who contact Officer Cahoon provide the following information concerning the alleged violation(s):
• Location and direction of travel of vehicle
• Date/time observed
• Description of vehicle (registration/make/model/color)
• Description of occupants
• Violation observed
If your complaint is time-sensitive or urgent, residents are advised to contact police immediately at 401/683-0300.
The safety improvements come in the wake of a tragic auto accident that took the life of an elderly pedestrian who was walking on Sea Meadow Court on Oct. 19. In an Oct. 21 letter to town leaders, JoEllen Hunt, secretary of the Sea Meadow Farms Association, implored local officials to address the safety of residents who walk and drive in the neighborhood.
At an Oct. 27 Town Council meeting, a Lepes Road resident said there were “serious inconsistencies” with speed limits and stop signs in the areas, and that drivers often drove too fast and recklessly.