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Is Flomaton A Speed Trap? The Police Chief, And The Data, Say No
February 22, 2022
Is Flomaton a speed trap?
No, says Flomaton Police Chief Charles Thompson.
But Flomaton is a small town with a really big speeding problem, and he’s got the data to show it.
“Speeding is one of the number one complaints received by our department and my office,” Thomspon said. “Flomaton has thousands of vehicles traveling through each day, and a high percentage of those vehicles are speeding.”
The Flomaton Police Department has a radar trailer on Sidney Manning Boulevard, also known as Highway 29.
Last Saturday, February 19, the trailer’s radar clocked 4,013 vehicles headed north out of Florida. Almost 90% of vehicles were speeding with 3,599 traveling over the posted 35 mph. There were 883 vehicles, 22%, traveling over 46 mph — more than 10 mph over the limit.
Thompson said Flomaton is not a speed trap. The speed limit is 35 mph crossing the state line in Alabama. It drops to 35 mph about 2.5 miles away on the south side of Century. The speed limits on Highway 31, Highway 28 and Highway 113 in Flomaton are set by the state, not the town.
“Based on the complaints received and statistics we are seeing with our information retaining radar trailer, the Flomaton Police Department will be strictly enforcing all traffic laws, including that of speeding,” the chief said. “It should be no surprise to see extra officers on the roads in the near future attempting to help assist this issue.”
Comments
23 Responses to “Is Flomaton A Speed Trap? The Police Chief, And The Data, Say No”
But that would mean that these people would have to get up earlier, altering their routine and you know that ain’t gonna happen, because most people only think of themselves and blame everyone else for their failures.
I agree that 40-45 would be better than 35. Just saying to “wake up” ESCO does much more than escort funerals. I’m sure you wouldn’t be happy if you had an emergency & called ESCO & they didn’t show.
The definition of a speed trap is that it is an area not marked well or with hidden signs…….Century and Flomaton both have very well marked speed zones. With parks and businesses so close to the road 35 MPH is what is safe. It may not be “convenient” for drivers but safety first.
Flomaton Resident, i completely agree with you. The ones who are screaming to raise the speed limit are the ones that need to leave their homes earlier so as not to have to speed. Sorry folks, but that is the truth. Respect the residents of Flomaton by respecting the states speed laws.
@james
You might pay a little closer attention while driving.
Coming into Century the speed limit goes from 65 to 55 then 45 and 35.
I agree no need for 4 lane roads with 35 mph limit.
Speed limit needs to be UPPED WAY TO 40 45…I COME Through there several times a day for work purposes
Century is the real speed trap. It goes from 65 to 35 without a whole lot of change in scenery.
By the time you get to Flomaton, you’ve been through enough residential and light industrial that you know you should slow down. 35 is kind of reasonable 45 would be better.
I have lived in Flomaton 49 years, run a business here as well. Yes Flomaton is a speed trap. Particularly at 113.
I agree with PAH, 35 is too low. 45 is more reasonable.
The speed limit should be 55 anyways. So I’d say the speed limit is the issue not the speeding.
29 bypass around Century and Flomaton would be nice. No more speeders
It’s important to remember that speed limits are set by the state of Alabama and not the town of Flomaton. Highway 31 is a 4 lane highway however reduces to a 2 lane highway in the center of the Town of Flomaton. Sidney Manning Blvd/Hwy 29 in Flomaton is a business District with most businesses having parking lots that enter directly into the highway. At the intersection of Hwy 31 and Hwy 29 is a red light and not a Ramped Connection. That is a huge Bottle Neck when there is heavy traffic. Also it is note worthy that directly passed the the intersection is a school zone followed by the city park. The speeds are set for a reason with safety in mind. Most speeders arnt pulled over in Flomaton unless their speed is excessive or are in reported troubled areas. When your driving a a machine that can take another person’s life when handled irresponsibly then it is important to follow all laws and drive safely.
Solution, Put a bypass around Century and Flomaton connecting directly into 113 and we would not have that problem
It’s only a ’speed trap’——-if you get caught speeding.
How about announce the speed trap on Facebook and the local papers a month in advance and advise that anyone doing 12 or more over will be pulled over and will be issued a citation. No excuses. From then I bet you’ll see the roadway become safer.
Good for the Chief and the Town. Laws is Laws and if don’t like the enforcement then take another route . Course the selection and ticketing of speeders should not be influenced by State tags or recognition of local citizens. Go get-‘em Chief !
Great data that reflects an issue. Speed limits are put into place for a reason. Slow down people.
YES IT IS.
I wish they would up the speed limit just a little. 40 or 45. 35 is just to slow.
MAYBE FLORIDA NEEDS TO DO THE SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OoooooooooH if that where the case the ECSO traffic unit would have to do something other than funeral escorts.
I’ve been in Flomaton all my life. I’ve had a business here since 1964. The police department is NOT running a speed trap.
Several times I’ve been running late for church mostly and been doing above the posted speed and met a police officer and he flashed his lights for me to slow down. They don’t know me personally so you can’t say they were doing it because of me. I appreciate them and the job they are trying to do. We back the blue in my family.
holidays are the worst. pulling out onto hwy 29 at the pig is a real trip at times. after holidays the traffic heady north is a challenge 45 mph and higher is the norm. the town could take in their monthly budget in a few hours at the foot of the overpass.
Tere is such a simple solution to this problem…..Don’t Speed.