WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — People in Luzerne County are concerned about dangerous driving behaviors going on in their neighborhood.
Officials say they've tried to slow drivers down, but some feel it isn't enough.
Many residents who live on this street want to see changes be made before it's too late.
One resident who 28/22 News spoke with even started a petition back in June hoping to receive some help.
Academy Street in Wilkes-Barre extends all the way from South Main Street to Old River Road, about three-quarters of a mile long.
Carmen Tinson lives there and feels it's unsafe at times because of speedy drivers. She says there have been some close calls.
"I've witnessed kids almost get hit. I've witnessed opening your car door to get your groceries out and not wondering whether your car door will still be there. It's dangerous for adults and children. It's like mandatory that we have a stop sign there," Tinson said.
But Wilkes-Barre City Police Chief Joseph Coffay says that can't happen.
"You can't put stop signs in an area to enforce speed," Chief Coffay stated.
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But it's not just the lack of a stop sign. From the top to bottom of the street, there's not a single speed limit sign posted.
Tinson says it doesn't matter: Drivers are going a lot faster than they should in a residential neighborhood.
"I've witnessed cars doing about 80 down this block," Tinson stated.
Just around the corner on Charles Street is a park.
"From the entire neighborhood we have gone door to door everyone agrees that it's not safe from them, especially in the dark. It's getting dark earlier 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.," said Emily Caballero, who lives on Academy Street.
Coffay says the traffic committee did put in an order for watch children signs and deaf child signs. There's one here where Edison Street meets Academy Street.
If patrolling is feasible, Chief Coffay says it could happen.
"Some areas are harder to do traffic enforcement on based on the equipment we have to use. It's not like we have the use of radar which you could probably use on any street. We use speed timing devices which we need a difference to be able to measure," Chief Coffay explained.
But Tinson and Caballero say that's not enough. They say sooner or later a dangerous situation could get worse.
"I feel deterred trying to bring these things to their attention. We need help," Caballero said.
Chief Coffay says no stop signs will be placed on this street, but aggressive driver patrolling can potentially take place.
