Traffic ordinance under scrutiny
By Debbie Lowe

Several county residents protested the proposed county traffic ordinance, published for the first time in last week's edition of the Comet, at the Carroll County Commissioners' Monday morning meeting.

One concern voiced was speed limits being out of line with road uses. For instance, the speed limit on CR200 of 20 mph from SR39 to SR75 in Flora was a source of concern to many residents.

"That's a misprint," commissioners' president Bill Brown said.*

Other issues posed were weight limits, limitations for semi truck parking on the sides of the roads, the cost of signage and enforcement of the ordinance.

County highway supervisor Ramzi Awwad said he did not have the needed data with him about the cost for signs but would be willing to provide that information to those who make the request.

Awwad reported the sheriff's department agreed with the speed limitations before publishing.

"You cannot allow certain people to tear up the roads," Brown said. "But we have to balance that with commerce."

"We may need to amend this (document)," he added.

Several in the audience offered suggested changes to Awwad to be included in an amended version of the ordinance. Awwad encouraged residents to call him at the highway garage at (574) 967-4244 with changes they would like made.

Awwad offered to provide county bridge maps upon request for those who are unclear where the numbered bridges are located in the county in order to consider limitations imposed on users.

Although the ordinance appears for the second time in legal notices in this week's Comet, commissioners' consensus was to review all change suggestions before the development of a comprehensive amendment to the published document.

*The report was published as supplied to the Comet.