Letter: Patrol problem

To the editor:

As the daughter of a former county sheriff, I understand that a police force cannot watch every area of the city. But, as a longtime resident of Lawrence, I am appalled by the number of drivers who ignore speed-limit signs in residential neighborhoods and how often these areas are not patrolled.

I live in the Sunset Hills neighborhood, an area often traversed by drivers who are cutting between Sixth, Ninth and Bob Billings Parkway. Drivers are constantly going up to 40 mph, and I have seen a police officer twice in my two years of living in this location. There are many young families in this area, mine being one of them.

Every day there are children walking home from school and families going for walks. These residents shouldn’t be at risk each time they use the sidewalk or cross the street. It saddens me that there are many neighborhoods where nothing has been done to slow the traffic. Sure, there are a few speed bumps, but frankly, there should be more. Personally I have almost been hit twice while crossing my own street, and I have been nearly rear-ended several times just pulling into my own driveway. What does it take to petition for a speed bump and attention from the LPD?