Traffic reminders

Peabody police will begin getting tough with drivers who violate driving regulations, especially in the downtown area. Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke announced that local law enforcement officers would be ticketing violators.

“We are getting way too many complaints about illegal J-turns, U-turns, and incomplete stops,” he said. “We have tried to go easy on drivers and issue warnings, but that doesn’t seem to stop violators so we will begin issuing tickets.”

A J-turn occurs when a driver crosses the centerline to park on the opposite side of the street. A U-turn is when a driver makes a U-shaped turn across the center of the street and ends up in the opposite direction.

An incomplete means the driver does not come to a complete stop. “A driver should be stopped long enough for me to count all the lug nuts on a front wheel,” said Burke.

Burke also reminds motorists Thursday will be the final day of classes for youngsters in Peabody and Burns.

“Everyone needs to be aware of the kids,” he said. “Many of them are excited to get to the pool or park and are not paying attention like they should when they are riding their bikes or running across the street.

“We need to watch out for them, because many of them are not watching out for us.”

Burke also urges parents to sit down with their children and have a conversation about bicycle safety.

In the next issue of the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin, Burke will publish a comprehensive list of rules and regulations governing the use of alternative means of transportation.

“Drivers of alternative methods of transportation will need to obey the rules of the road,” said Burke. “The law will apply to the alternative forms of conveyance the same as for a car or truck.”