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Borough police crack down on speeders

(8/24) Speeders beware: Fairfield and Carroll Valley boroughs are places where you should hit the brakes.

Police Chief Clifford Weikert told the Carroll Valley Borough Council during their June meeting that digital speed detection signs and increased patrols are being implemented to make the southwestern area of Adams County safer.

Data from speed detection signs show that about 13,706 cars traveled Route 16 (Waynesboro Pike) eastbound during a one-week period in May, Weikert said. Of those, 2,206 traveled more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit of 45 mph.

Weikert also recently posted the sign in Fairfield Borough, which the department patrols as part of a mutual agreement. About 14,900 cars traveled Route 116 during one week in May, he said. Of those, 890 moved more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit of 25 mph.

Weikert said Fairfield Borough is purchasing its own speed detectors. Councilperson Catherine Schubring suggested Carroll Valley purchase additional signs. Borough Manager Dave Hazlett said the devices cost about $3,000.

"It does help slow down people," Weikert said.

The chief said his officers are increasing speed patrols based on residents’ feedback. Carroll Valley or Fairfield residents who believe speed is a problem on their road should contact Weiker at 717-642-8269.

Councilmember Bruce Carr told Weikert that several citizens had expressed appreciation to him for the police departments’ visibility in Carroll Valley and Fairfield. Weikert said his officers conduct foot patrols in Fairfield Borough. Such patrols are difficult in the more rural Carroll Valley, so officers connect with residents by visiting the Borough’s parks.

Lake Complaint

Carroll Valley police officers patrol the borough’s land and waters, and a company the borough hires to treat Lake May is one of the violators of water rules.

Hazlett told the council that a resident recently complained that Aquatic Environment Consultants put a boat with an outboard motor onto Lake May when it treated the lake for algae. The borough’s rules state "no boats with motors" except electric trolling motors.

Hazlett acknowledged the borough is not above the law. However, Aquatic Environment Consultants informed him that they cannot treat the lake without using a boat with an outboard motor.

The Council directed Hazlett to draft an ordinance revision allowing an exemption for borough-sanctioned activities. This will include training exercises conducted by the Fairfield and Fountaindale fire departments, Hazlett said.

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