KINGSTON— In the wake of a growing number of incidents and fatalities, Mayor Steven Noble and the Kingston Police Department are forming a new Traffic Safety Unit aimed at improving road safety and enforcing traffic laws within the city.
The mayor said the unit consisting of two officers will focus on traffic enforcement, responding to crashes, and ensuring compliance with State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
The unit’s primary responsibilities include identifying and addressing traffic hazards, conducting vehicle and driver safety checkpoints, overseeing school crossing guards, and implementing educational programs, including new driver awareness and seatbelt safety initiatives. Officers will also lead community education programs focused on traffic safety.
Since the start of the year, data from the city shows the unit conducted 342 stops, issued 325 summonses, handed out 111 warnings, made 13 arrests, and assisted in five crashes. “We have heard the concerns of the community loud and clear regarding traffic safety in Kingston,” Noble said. “This new Traffic Safety Unit is designed to increase enforcement and make sure all of Kingston’s road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—are following the law. In just a few
weeks, we have already seen success in slowing traffic, enforcing regulations, and even confiscating illegal drugs during stops,” the mayor said.
However, despite public outcry, the police department has yet to release a full report on the December death of 77-year-old Gary White who was hit crossing Broadway. Attorney Joseph O’Connor, who represents White’s family, has been able to acquire footage of the fatal incident, but there was no full accident reconstruction by the police department, which has some members of the community questioning the decision. White was hit by the daughter of a city employee and a county legislator.
In 2024, the city instituted a 25-mph speed limit and adopted a safe system approach. Officers in the unit will undergo specialized training in commercial vehicle enforcement, crash management and reconstruction, child passenger safety, Advanced Roadside Impairment Driving Enforcement, Drug Recognition Expert certification, and bicycle safety.
Police Chief Egidio Tinti emphasized the importance of enforcement and education in improving road safety. “The Kingston Traffic Safety Unit remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users. Our officers will be out in full force, focusing on enforcement, education, and awareness to reduce speeding, impaired driving, and other dangerous behaviors.”
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