UAPD gets tough on campus speeding

By Kristen Pownall

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Speed-demons beware.

The University of Arizona Police Department will soon be cracking down on speeding in parking garages and lots all over campus _ tactics which will result in expensive fines and more points against violators' driving records than the average speeding ticket brings.

Because of increased complaints about speeding and "near miss" accidents in lots and garages, UAPD will add a new section to Parking and Transportation's traffic regulations.

Police will also post additional speed limit signs in an effort to eliminate the problems, said Harry Hueston, UAPD assistant chief.

With all university lots and garages located on private property, UAPD is unable to enforce standard speeding laws used on designated roadways, Hueston said.

He said the only solution is to add a "reckless driving" section to Parking and Transportation's traffic regulations, a charge that will add eight points to driving records, as opposed to the three points a standard speeding ticket brings.

"It was the only thing we could do," Hueston said. The speed limit will be posted as 10 miles per hour in lots and garages. Violating that limit will result in a $25 fine for first-time offenders and $50 fine for two or more violations, Hueston said.

Police will start enforcing the new provision in the next few weeks, but will issue written warnings perhaps through the end of the semester, giving people time to get accustomed to the new speed limits, Hueston said.

Some students reacted negatively to the new "reckless driving" provision.

"I think it's pretty ridiculous," said Tom Powell, a sociology junior.

"They must be pretty hard up for money to come up with something this awful," Powell said.

"I don't consider driving 10 miles an hour 'reckless driving,'" said Coleen Donovan, an education senior.

"Why don't they just put in speed bumps?" Donovan said. "I mean, who wants eight points on their license?"

Enforcement of the new provision will be especially concentrated near lots around Arizona Stadium, which is the location of most complaints about near miss accidents and pedestrains almost getting run over, Hueston said

"The bottom line is we don't want anyone hurt and that is why we're doing this," Hueston said. Read Next Article