Local

Stop signs added to Longwood intersections known for speeding

LONGWOOD, Fla. — Police in Longwood recently installed new stop signs southeast of State Road 434 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard to get drivers to slow down, but residents don't think it'll be enough to stop speeders.

Kristi Young lives along Maine Avenue, which residents said has become a shortcut for speeders avoiding SR-434.

"I don't let my kids play out here," said Young. "We have to stay in the back because if one person runs out, that's it."

Now, police said they hope about six new stop signs will slow drivers down.

City officials said the stop signs didn't cost the city much money, since Longwood already had plenty of them in storage.

Channel 9's Bianca Castro also learned cities can install stop signs wherever or whenever they want. No traffic study is required.

However, a study is recommended by state engineering groups, which also say stop signs shouldn't be used for speed control in the first place.

"On particular roadways, general rule, yes, a stop sign can increase speed, because they'll stop at a stop sign and speed up to get to the next stop sign," said Sgt. James McKenna. "We haven't seen that so far."

In the meantime, the department is also considering adding more patrols at a number of hot spots across the city.

"That is the No. 1 way to deter speed," said McKenna.

If the stop signs don't work, the city will consider adding speed humps, but those can cost thousands of dollars.