In response to numerous complaints about heavy traffic, Canton police are increasing enforcement around several school building areas.
According to a prepared statement from Deputy Chief of Police Craig Wilsher, complaints have been received regarding heavy traffic at various schools, specifically motorists disregarding traffic controls in the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park area near Canton, Plymouth and Salem high schools. Complaints have increased during the past week, according to Wilsher.
“For various reasons, there are many more students driving or being dropped off at the high schools, causing traffic jams on Beck, Gyde, Joy and Canton Center roads,” said Wilsher. “These backups are prompting vehicles to disregard traffic control devices and use the left turn lane as a through lane,” he added.
Wilsher said, the department has assigned additional patrol units to select school areas during peak problem hours including morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. In addition to this increased traffic enforcement, he said police are encouraging drivers to take advantage of other methods such as carpooling or using alternate routes to help alleviate the long lines of traffic.
“Drivers who pass by schools on their routes going elsewhere are encouraged to use alternate roads to avoid being caught up in the congestion,” Wilsher said. “Motorists who are trying to get to the schools should follow all traffic controls and remain patient while waiting to enter the school property,” he added.
The Canton Police Department will continue to assist with the traffic issues as Plymouth-Canton Community Schools works to resolve the issues,” Wilsher concluded.
