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For speeders, cops, not bumps

Traffic speed and volume studies don't support calming devices in Asbury Village, but selective enforcement is likely.

By RODNEY THRASH
Published February 20, 2005

TAMPA PALMS - Speed bumps won't be in Asbury Village any time soon, but more police will, the city of Tampa has decided.

Chuck Ramus, who has lived in Asbury since 1999, requested some kind of traffic calming device for fear of an accident along winding Dawson Ridge and Belmont roads.

"People are really barreling around that turn," he said. "There are a lot of children. It's a blind curve. Cars don't have a chance to react. It's kind of a dangerous turn."

But not dangerous enough, said William Porth, Tampa's traffic analysis supervisor.

To qualify, 85 percent of motorists must travel at least 10 miles faster than the designated speed limit. Also, the traffic volume must be greater than 1,000 vehicles in each direction. More than 220 locations throughout Tampa pass the test.

On Feb. 1, the city conducted 24-hour speed and volume studies on Dawson Ridge Road from Hallstead Way to W Tampa Palms Boulevard, and Belmont Road from Dawson Ridge Road to Amberly Drive.

The posted speed limit on Dawson Ridge and Belmont roads is 25 mph. About 450 vehicles passed through Dawson Ridge Road, with 85 percent going at speeds as high as 30 mph. Approximately 421 vehicles passed through Belmont Road; 85 percent traveled 30 mph.

"Neither the Dawson Ridge Road nor the Belmont Road studies indicate speeding or cut-through problems at this time," Porth said. "Therefore, they do not qualify for traffic calming."

Even during rush hour, only 55 cars passed through Asbury Village, Tampa transportation manager Roy LaMotte said.

"This volume is clearly residential and represents two vehicles per direction per minute," he said. "The magnitude of the problem is not severe enough."

Still, LaMotte said, the city is concerned about speeding motorists. "We do believe selective police enforcement is the appropriate countermeasure at this time to counteract the problem," he said.

Study results are considered valid for a year, Porth said. If conditions change, they are open to a second look.

This is the second time in as many years that Tampa Palms has asked for traffic calming devices. In 2003, three speed tables were installed along Compton Drive, a street that includes a school, park, pool and YMCA.

Rodney Thrash can be reached at 813 269-5313 or rthrash@sptimes.com

[Last modified February 19, 2005, 08:08:05]