Something needs to be done on Estero Boulevard
To the editor:
Over the past several years several pedestrians have been killed or injured by motorists on Estero Boulevard. The town has formed committees to investigate solutions to our traffic problems, but of course can do nothing because Estero Boulevard is under the control of Lee County.
Let’s face it, in the last 20 years Lee County has done nothing to remedy the situation. Oh, that’s right, they have had study groups and paid consultants to make recommendations. NOTHING has been done, until recently. I would suggest that anyone injured should file a suit against Lee County for its lack of attention. This would include the Lee County Sheriff who I believe has stated he would not enforce the “J-walking” law.
“J-walking” maybe a leading cause of the traffic problems around Times Square, but obviously the revenue to the Sheriff’s department is not significant enough to waste the time of a deputy. The town could pass a law creating a fine of perhaps $250. That might raise the interest of the sheriff. I’ve heard that this is not enforceable. Let’s face it the “snowbirds” won’t be here when the case comes to trial, so they will plead guilty and mail in their fine. If they don’t, they need not risk returning to the beach. Of course the pedestrian would have to present a drivers license, which could be used to track down the violator. If enforcement is obvious, pedestrians will heed the law.
The “test” creation of islands that have been installed in the middle of Estero at the south end of island (Santini area) seems to help get the motorist attention. However, further north the boulevard is not wide enough to put in islands.
In front of the Red Coconut, there are flashing amber lights that can be activated by the pedestrians. There used to be flashing amber lights embedded in the pavement, but now they are gone. I notice that frequently motorists ignore the flashing lights. Even the sheriff drives through the crosswalk with pedestrians in the road and the lights flashing. Should the county reactivate the lights embedded in the pavement?
Walter Sheldon
Ft. Myers Beach
Something needs to be done on Estero Boulevard
To the editor:
Over the past several years several pedestrians have been killed or injured by motorists on Estero Boulevard. The town has formed committees to investigate solutions to our traffic problems, but of course can do nothing because Estero Boulevard is under the control of Lee County.
Let’s face it, in the last 20 years Lee County has done nothing to remedy the situation. Oh, that’s right, they have had study groups and paid consultants to make recommendations. NOTHING has been done, until recently. I would suggest that anyone injured should file a suit against Lee County for its lack of attention. This would include the Lee County Sheriff who I believe has stated he would not enforce the “J-walking” law.
“J-walking” maybe a leading cause of the traffic problems around Times Square, but obviously the revenue to the Sheriff’s department is not significant enough to waste the time of a deputy. The town could pass a law creating a fine of perhaps $250. That might raise the interest of the sheriff. I’ve heard that this is not enforceable. Let’s face it the “snowbirds” won’t be here when the case comes to trial, so they will plead guilty and mail in their fine. If they don’t, they need not risk returning to the beach. Of course the pedestrian would have to present a drivers license, which could be used to track down the violator. If enforcement is obvious, pedestrians will heed the law.
The “test” creation of islands that have been installed in the middle of Estero at the south end of island (Santini area) seems to help get the motorist attention. However, further north the boulevard is not wide enough to put in islands.
In front of the Red Coconut, there are flashing amber lights that can be activated by the pedestrians. There used to be flashing amber lights embedded in the pavement, but now they are gone. I notice that frequently motorists ignore the flashing lights. Even the sheriff drives through the crosswalk with pedestrians in the road and the lights flashing. Should the county reactivate the lights embedded in the pavement?
Walter Sheldon
Ft. Myers Beach