Surgoinsville cracking down on speeding

The town of Surgoinsville is cracking down on speeding and other traffic violations in effort to keep the community safe. Surgoinsville Police Chief James Hammonds issued a public warning on Facebook this week — and town officials are working to help spread the word. “Due to continued speeding complaints on Main Street, there will be strict enforcement,” Hammonds warned.

The speed limit on Main Street starting at Hope Community Church all the way to Surgoinsville Middle and Elementary is 45 miles per hour. It then drops to 30 miles per hour near the schools and remains that to Virginia Hills, before going back up to 45 miles per hour, Hammonds explained. “We’re seeing speeds from the 60s to the 80s on Main Street — and even higher on 11-W,” Hammonds said Thursday morning.



“I’m looking at a citation from last night that was 98 in a 55 on 11-W. There’s another one from last night, with a juvenile doing 64 in a 45 on Main Street.” Hammonds said, with the school year drawing to a close and warmer weather bringing more folks outdoors, it’s more important than ever that drivers slow down, put their phones away and pay attention to their surroundings.

“All we’re asking is that people pay a little bit more attention. Speeding is not going to make much difference on your arrival time. But one second can affect your life and the lives of others forever,” Hammonds said.

“All we’re trying to do is slow the speeds. We don’t want to see people get hurt.” The stricter enforcement will continue as long as necessary.

“This will be city-wide, including side streets, so do yourself a favor and check your signs including stop signs,” Hammonds warned. “I’d rather see people police themselves. Our option for fixing it is a punishment,” Hammonds said.

“But we want to keep people safe. All it takes is a second. In one second, you can change a bunch of people’s lives.

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