Madison Police Get Earful Over Speeding Trouble Spots In Town

MADISON, CT - Madison’s police chief and Board of Police Commissioners heard a litany of complaints about speeding on town roads during the most recent commission meeting.

Residents said speeding is an issue in several locations, including Horsepond and Green Hill.

Board Chairman Ed Dowling noted the speeding/traffic on Green Hill is a regular topic for discussion based on the fact that it is a key road.

He said there have been a number of efforts to try to slow traffic; adding officials are aware it is an issue and “we are committed to try to slow down traffic but we can’t do anything about the volume.”

One resident submitted a petition from residents concerning speeding from the Killingworth bridge to Rte. 79.

The resident said people cannot walk or bike on the road. If you follow the limit you are tailgated, she said; left hand turns are dangerous and it is unsafe to exit driveways on Green Hill, she added.

Police Chief Jack Drumm acknowledged speeding is a problem, particularly in the areas of Warpas, Rte. 80 north/west, Ridge, Rte. 450.

Another resident brought up the Scotland Avenue/Lovers Lane area as a trouble spot.

The chief said they run patrols with officers and try to give more attention to school bus routes, when school is in session.

Entering Madison from Killingworth is a ‘slingshot’, Drumm said, who added the speed radar signs do work and police are trying to budget more of those throughout town as permanent signs, not rolling carts.

Drumm said he would love to have the permanent signs on every road with speed/traffic issues, but that cost is an issue.

Also, Drumm added manpower is an issue, noting that the nearby town of Guilford is budgeted for eight more officers than Madison.

Chairman Dowling noted the reality is the Department can’t post an officer 24/7 at these sites.

He added that building the budget going forward officials see the effect of budgeting for technology traffic calming – not as a one year effort but to build a capital plan, long-range plan to combat speeders.

Based on studies, Dowling said, officials are looking at solar powered signs.

He concluded: “We are committed to this project and are very aware of this issue. It is a real and frustrating problem.”