Letter to the Editor: Speed Trap by Cayuga Elementary

Dear Sachem Patch,

I write to you today in order to bring awareness to the speed trap that the Suffolk County Police Department has set up in front of Cayuga Elementary School. This speed trap has been there for the past two school years and has again started this September. These cops hide behind trees and shoot drivers with radar guns, who are driving above the 15mph posted school zone sign. Although I do not condone speeding, and realize that it is against the law, what the SCPD has done is extremely dangerous for drivers traveling north and south on Hawkins Ave.

Ticketed drivers who are pulled over to the side of the road by these cops take up a nonexistent shoulder lane on Hawkins Ave. This in turn forces drivers into oncoming traffic, in order to proceed on their journey. Another hazard that I have noticed was that frustrated drivers pull out back onto Hawkins Ave without looking, and in haste causing drivers to slam onto their brakes. 

I have called Mayor Robert Scottaline, of Lake Grove twice about this matter, and twice he has basically ignored my concerns saying that the cops were there in order to ensure safety to the children who attend Cayuga. I would understand his argument if it were true. I have noticed over the past two and a half years that these cops who stand out on Dual Street in the mornings, and on Patricia Lane in the afternoons, are only out there during the times when the school buses are not operating to and from any Sachem school in that area.

They in fact leave this area during the times when the buses are dropping kids off and return when the kids are safely in their classrooms. This speed traps sole purpose is to generate revenue for the Village of Lake Grove, as ticketed drivers must report to the Lake Grove Court House, on Hawkins Ave. Mayor Scottaline’s argument also holds no validity as the cops have now set up a trap, where they physically stop every car traveling north and south on Hawkins Ave looking for valid inspections, registrations, and seatbelts. A valid inspection or registration poses no risk to any adult or child who happens to be walking along Hawkins Ave. 

Hawkins Ave is one of the main roads that I use on a daily basis, as it is so convenient to where I live. I feel harassed some days driving past these cops, and recently physically stopped and treated as though I have done something wrong. I hope this letter reaches other frustrated people in the community, and something can be done to stop this. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and look forward to discussing this matter with you in the future.

Thank you,

Elizabeth