Residents express concern about speeding

Southborough is known as a safe community with very low crime rates. However, there is one major problem affecting the town: speeding.

From January to March 2024, Southborough Police issued 1,022 speeding tickets, leaving many residents wondering if that’s enough to keep the streets safe.

According to Police Chief Ryan Newell, Route 9 (east and west) between White Bagley and Middle Road is the road most frequently affected by speeding violations, followed closely by Cordaville Road.

Despite the high number of tickets issued, many residents are concerned that police are simply not doing enough. Scott, a Southborough resident who asked that his last name not be used, said, “It’s difficult to walk on our streets without fear of being hit by a speeding car.” This sentiment is often echoed by posts in the Southborough Care and Share Facebook group and on the Nextdoor platform.

In the Emergency and Social Services section of the Southborough Satisfaction Survey, 41.07% of respondents believed that enforcement of local traffic laws should be either a primary or secondary focus of police within the next two years.

Most speeding violations are dealt with by the SPD through officer-initiated patrols. This means that officers spend time in areas with high speeding complaints between assignments. In addition, thanks to traffic subsidies provided by the state, officers can also come on days off, which means more resources are available for combating speeding.

Because state funding is limited, Newell is seeking to have funding for an additional officer approved in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

This request has been forwarded to the Select Board for review, and staffing recommendations are expected to be presented at a special City Council meeting in the fall.

While Scott is not against this addition, he believes complementary strategies should be used, such as “simply placing an empty patrol car in high-traffic areas” to help drivers recognize their speed.

In addition, some residents are suggesting implementing technology-based solutions such as speed cameras, which they say have proven effective in other communities. These cameras automatically issue tickets for speeding vehicles, providing constant monitoring without the need for a physical police presence. Currently, the DPW has installed several speed enforcement boards throughout the city, but Newell fears they could “turn speeding into a game.”

(Photo by Maggie Fitzgerald)