Audience members requested more red-light cameras and the addition of lights to stop signs during the Junior League of Pelham’s Dec. 3 community roundtable on pedestrian and traffic safety.

Village of Pelham resident Solange Bitol Hansen said, “Can there be stop signs with lights around [them]?”

“Flashing lights are for people who don’t understand that there is a stop sign,” said Traffic Investigator David Parker from the New York State Department of Transportation. “Lights are expensive.”

Other audience members asked about implementing more red-light cameras in the Pelhams.

“Camera enforcement is a very touchy issue, and a lot of people don’t want cameras recording people more than they already are,” said Parker.

“Cameras, signs and speed bumps are not what make drivers slow down. It is narrower roads, greenery, trees and visual cues that remind you that you are not on a highway—you are on a local road where children live, people bike and people are active,” said Ruth Walter, a member of Bronxville Safe Streets and a former county legislator. “Advocacy is how you make change. We must make other roads of transportation more safe.”

Shylah Horan, one of the members of the Pelham Together Youth Council on the roundtable, described the eye injury she suffered in a car accident at the intersection of Boulevard and Cliff Avenue. 

“Pedestrian safety is an ongoing discussion,” said Pelham Manor Village Manager Lindsey Luft. “As for future traffic enforcement projects in Pelham Manor, the intersection at Wolfs Lane and Iden Avenue will add a marked crosswalk across Wolfs Lane to support the morning crossing guard.”

Pelham Manor is also seeking to add a right-turn lane from Boston Post Road to Pelham Parkway. “We will soon receive a permit from the New York State Department of Transportation for this,” said Luft. The goal is to simplify the route for drivers traveling onto Pelham Parkway.

Other panelists on the roundtable included Hardesty Hanover Traffic Engineer Veronica Prezioso, New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Erica Winter, pedestrian safety advocate and a Junior League member. Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen and Village of Pelham Manor Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey also attended.