Drivers: Slow down!

By Staff
Jason Houston FCT Managing Editor
After just a week on the job, it didn't take new Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett long to pinpoint the complaint he has heard the most.
And he said hopefully, it won't take long to begin solving it.
Beginning Monday morning, the police department will begin a crackdown on speeding everywhere within city limits, aided by the department's battery-powered speed trailer.
The trailer will be set up at different locations around town, and soon thereafter, a police officer will be there in the trailer's place.
Hargett, who officially took over as chief on Nov. 1, said the department's speed trailer, which detects the speed of oncoming cars and displays it in red numbers for the driver to see, will be in constant use in the next few weeks, intended to serve as a warning to speeders.
The initiative is not about writing speeding tickets, Hargett said. The goal is to save lives.
Hargett said the speed trailer might even be used in subdivisions or neighborhoods, to serve anywhere speeding is a problem.
Another move Hargett is hoping to make this week is to place a stop sign at the intersection of Marlin Street and Washington Street.
The new safety measures come on the heels of what Hargett said has been a busy first week as police chief.
Hargett said he hopes some changes are in store for the department in the near future, including a new look and a new attitude.