For Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 10, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Manchester by-the-Sea Police Department Conducts Intensive Traffic Enforcement Operation

MANCHESTER BY-THE-SEA —  Chief Edward Conley reports that the Manchester by-the-Sea Police Department recently conducted an intensive traffic enforcement operation aimed at using data and directed police patrols to improve safety on the roads.

“Police officers can’t be everywhere, all the time. So, for the past several months we have been sampling traffic data through the deployment of a passive counter,” Chief Conley said. “Our goal was to use data to develop a strategy that would have the biggest impact on speeding and other roadway violations.”

The department’s data analysis indicated that School Street was a high volume location with approximately 50 percent of vehicles travelling 5 mph or more above the speed limit. On Wednesday, Sept. 5, fro 3-7 p.m., a three-officer team deployed to School Street, assigned to focus on identifying and stopping speeding and distracted drivers. During the four-hour operation, 27 citations were issued to operators mostly for speeding. Officers issued warnings to drivers without moving violation histories and fines to those significantly over the speed limit or with a history of violations.

“Our kids are back in school, and that means increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout town,” Chief Conley added. “We want drivers to slow down and pay attention to the road.”

Chief Conley also wishes to inform the public that these types of operations will continue throughout the year, relying on the department’s research to prioritize traffic enforcement operations with places and times that show increased pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic.

###