GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay police have a new plan to crack down on traffic safety violations and you may see more squad cars on the roads.
What’s the number one complaint the Green Bay Police Department hears from people?
“Traffic has always been our top one,” says Lieutenant Brad Strouf.
A new initiative from the department will double the number of officers focusing on traffic violations in 2020.
“Our traffic unit was comprised prior to this year of two officers full-time dedicated to traffic enforcement,” says Strouf.
They’ll now have four officers who at any given time could all be out stopping drivers.
It’s called Slow Down Green Bay.
“Which would imply the speed enforcement that’ll take place but it’s not just going to be limited to speed enforcement,” says Strouf. ” We’re well aware that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic crashes.”
They’ll also be watching to make sure people are yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and obeying traffic signals. Strouf says its about improving safety for everyone.
“Last year we had no alcohol-related fatalities in Brown County or the city of Green Bay which is probably the first time in history that’s happened,” says Strouf. “This leads us to believe that at least part of the reason that occurred is because of enforcement action.”
“It seems like they’re doing faster than 25 (mph),” says Chris John, a resident who was out shoveling Tuesday.
On both quiet residential and busy roads FOX 11 spoke to people say drivers going too fast or just not paying attention is something they experience every day.
“Right now I’ve got my flashers on my truck and these people are just whizzing by me,” says John.
It’s not a problem unique to the area, but Strouf says with a little focus on the problem, they hope to set an example for other areas.
“We’re going to be able to do things in a more creative way,” says Strouf.
