The Liverpool Police Department is well known throughout Onondaga County for its diligent enforcement of traffic laws. Now, the village police are winning statewide recognition.
At the Oct. 18 meeting of the Liverpool Board of Trustees, Police Chief Bill Becker reported that the New York State Mothers Against Drunk Driving will honor the LPD for its effective enforcement of driving while intoxicated laws, on Nov. 16 in Albany. MADD will also recognize LPD Officer Ken Hatter as one of the top performers in the state’s STOP-DWI Program.
MADD was established September 1980 with a mission to stop drunk driving, support its victims and prevent underage drinking.
The STOP-DWI Program – which stands for Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated – was enacted by the State Legislature in 1981. The legislation permits each of the state’s counties to establish a STOP-DWI Program which qualifies the county for the return of all fines collected for alcohol and other drug-related traffic offenses in its jurisdiction. All 62 counties in New York state are participating.
Becker also told the trustees that his department has qualified for three grants for use in 2011.
LPD was awarded a $5,200 grant by the Statewide Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, known as STEP, administered by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The agency was also awarded a $1,200 grant by Buckle Up NY and a $1,000 Child Safety Seat grant.
Meanwhile, Becker’s department continues to study traffic at the S-curve at the bottom of Sargent Lane near Tulip Street. Trustees are considering the addition of traffic-control signage, including a stop sign, to help prevent vehicles from veering into the opposite lane as they negotiate the curves.
Mayor Gary White encouraged Sargent Lane residents and motorists to attend a public hearing on the issue at 7 p.m. Nov. 15, at the Village Hall, 310 Sycamore St.
13 accidents in September
According to Becker, LPD officers issued 121 citations for violations of the state’s vehicle and traffic laws during September. Village police also issued 34 warning tickets for traffic infractions.
Three arrests were made for driving while intoxicated and 13 traffic accidents were investigated. Officers made 309 residential checks during the month while investigating a total of 304 complaints.
Winter parking, leaf pick-up
To facilitate snow removal from village streets, winter parking regulations go into effect Nov. 1 and run through April 15. Vehicles will be prohibited from parking on residential streets from midnight to 8 a.m.. Parking will also be prohibited on business district streets from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Meanwhile, the village DPW started leaf pick-ups on Oct. 25. Leaves raked to the curb (but not into the street) will continue to be picked up by village crews Monday through Friday throughout the fall.
