By ShaVonne Herndon
Around Gilmer High School the current school zone speed limit reads, 20 mph from 7:00 to 8:30 and 2:30 to 4:30.
"It's pretty hectic," explained one driver. Pamela Polk drives up and down Bradford street everyday. "They should be extremely cautious they should slow down and I mean I've come through where some they haven't," said Polk. "They go at their own pace and they try to go while the kids are crossing."
That's why the Gilmer City Council has voted to extend the current hours to cover the entire school day. "The streets by the schools are city streets therefore the responsibility lies with the city to regulate the speed," said Jeff Ellington. "Since the school has requested this, the city will accept the responsibility."
Ellington said Bradford, Rea Road, Buffalo Street and First Street near Gilmer High will be mostly affected by the switch.
This is one of several signs that will go from 30 mph to 20 mph. The city said too much traffic occurs here when students are going to and from school and they want them to be safer. "It will allow the school resource officer who work on campus to slow traffic down or issue citations if needed," added Ellington.
Although the signs may soon read differently Polk points out tat drivers need to just overall pay more attention, "Regardless if they are my kids or someone elses drivers need to be more cautious."
