Press
Release		The City of Palo Alto
Public Information Office

250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301

11/02/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE #110209
Subject :

Police Begin Special Traffic Enforcement Program
Contact :Sergeant Dan Ryan, Palo Alto Police Department    408-406-1330
Palo Alto, CA -   Palo Alto police were recently awarded a grant of $46,465 by the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund extra traffic enforcement. Increased special traffic enforcement measures will be taken over the next year, as Palo Alto traffic officers continue their commitment to keep the local roadways safe, focusing their efforts on both education and enforcement.

Captain Mark Venable said, "Our officers will continue to use every tool possible, and expend every effort to keep our streets safe for all who use them, whether they be motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. This grant money allows us to redouble our efforts, even in this era of fiscal constraints."

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant is meant to assist local efforts to deal with increased traffic safety problems and to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities from traffic collisions.The grant program will fund local efforts to address problems caused by DUI drivers, red light running, speeding, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and driving while unlicensed. Overtime funds will also be used for officers to target particular “problem intersections”, and people who drive without wearing seatbelts.   

“Every driver and motorcyclist must get back to the basics: drive sober, always drive or ride safely, buckle up and we will save lives. It's just that simple,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “This grant will help make Palo Alto just that much safer of a place in which to live and work.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.



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