PLYMOUTH — Motorists have been warned.
The Plymouth Police Department issued a statement on its Facebook page March 23, announcing its zero tolerance policy with regard to erratic and reckless driving in the school zone on Ohio 603.
Chief Charles Doan said in recent weeks, a number of individuals have claimed they were almost hit entering and/or exiting the school parking lot.
Due to limited manpower, the department is unable to frequently patrol the area.
That’s why it’s teaming with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office to implement strict enforcement in the school zone and on school property.
“I don’t want to have a fatal accident, Doan said. “The last fatal accident we had here was probably 1999, maybe even ’98, and we don’t want to have another one.”
Last year, there were three minor accidents in the school parking lot, all involving adults, Doan said.
“And what does that say to the kids?” he asked.
Fortunately, they weren’t serious incidents.
“But I don’t want anything serious,” he added. “I’d rather people be upset with me for strict enforcement than have an accident where somebody gets hurt.”
The speed limit in the school zone is 20 miles per hour during a certain time in the morning and afternoon (designated by flashing lights on the school zone sign); otherwise it’s 35 miles per hour.
If heading east, the speed limit changes to 55 miles per hour after leaving the school zone, and if driving west into town, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour, Doan said.
“I just want people to be safe,” he said. “Our kids are our most valuable asset. That’s our next generation, and I want to not only protect them, but I want to also set a good example for them.”
