How To Speed Up 5233?

How to go about getting Speed Bumps on my road?

• I have kids who go to school, and there bus stop is placed at a 4-way intersection in our community. They have to walk to the bus stop, and it's very unsafe. People speed on the road, doing 45mph on a 25mph zone. I've contacted the Sheriff's Office, and they haven't done much. I've seen them drive up and down the road once, but that's it and they haven't come back since. 5 - 6 years ago, I had a speed limit sign put up -- which doesn't do much either. People don't care. My concern is the welfare and wellbeing of my children. They have to catch the bus at 6:50 in the morning, and pretty soon, the time will go back. Our neighbor has no sidewalks, lights, etc. It's pitch black and you can't see anything; so obviously, these people who speed down the road have a heck of a time seeing the kids. I'm scared of one of them being struck by a car and killed/injured. My road is also busiest at the worst times: in the morning, and in the evening, when they get on the bus, and when they get off. Last week, a little girl was almost struck by a car who failed to stop. Since then, her bus stop has been changed. (our road originally had 2 bus stops, but now everyone must catch the bus at the intersection.) I want speed bumps put on the road. That should slow down traffic. I've contacted VDOT and they have told me they will consider adding speed bumps, and that it may take up to 4 weeks. HOWEVER, they also added that if it doesn't fit there budget, they won't be able to and will only be able to add a bus stop sign. News flash: the speed limit sign didn't help, what makes you think the bus sign will? I want to make sure these speed bumps are put on, so what can I do? I'd really like to see sidewalks, speedbumps, and lights -- but we probably won't see that unless we move to one of the new neighborhoods. (about 1/2 a mile down from my road, the new community has street lights, sidewalks (in some parts), and speedbumps.) I'd say that there's about 250 people in and out of my road each day, and 50% of them go over the speed limit. May I also add that my house is gated, and we have security setup. There's a camera positioned in front of our gate, and I've got some footage of the cars speeding. However, the cops think it's edited and stuff. They keep making excuses. If only I could get them to come out and setup patrol at my house. So, any chance of getting speed bumps? My county is in a lot of debt. Also how much is it? If the price isn't bad, we could look into funding it if the county can't afford it, however if its $5000, I don't see any problem. The county bought about 10 new buses last year -- $180,000 each I believe, automatic and they have mercedes engines. Also all of the schools have smartboards. So the county could easily afford these speed bumps.

• Answer:

  Go to the next City Council meeting and present your case. In this era of tight budgets you have to make a solid case before the people who will put the money out, not the law enforcement people who do not want to ask for any thing that would add to their budget. If you go out with a petition and get all your neighbor's to sign in favor you will have an even better chance with the City Council