For Immediate Release
April 10, 2006

For More Information Contact:
Liz Sullivan, (617) 943-4382

PRESS RELEASE

Councillor Tobin Launches
Slow Down Boston Campaign


Boston City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr. today announced Slow Down Boston, a new public awareness campaign aimed at curbing speeding in the city’s neighborhoods.

“We hope that the Slow Down Boston Campaign will make people think twice how fast they are driving,” said Councillor Tobin. “People like to laugh about Boston’s reputation for terrible drivers. It’s a joke that’s not funny anymore. Speeding is a public safety issue and it’s a quality of life issue that must be addressed.”

Signs reading “Please Slow Down Boston” are now available to city residents free of charge through Councillor Tobin’s office. The red and white signs can be placed on lawns or affixed to front porches and fences.

“My office receives calls from residents nearly everyday asking for help with speeding or traffic-related problems,” said Councillor Tobin. “It’s one of the top issues on the minds of my constituents.”

Slow Down Boston is part of an ongoing effort by Councillor Tobin to encourage people to stop speeding and drive safer in the city’s neighborhoods. In August 2005 Councillor Tobin proposed that the City of Boston consider using solar-powered radar speed display signs. He filed an order calling for hearings to discuss the possibility of purchasing and permanently installing the radar signs citywide. Three years ago Councillor Tobin also worked to increase the fine for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

During the upcoming city budget season, Councillor Tobin said he will push for more traffic enforcement by the Boston Police Department. He also wants the City to employ some of the effective traffic calming measures now being used by other cities and countries including speed humps.

Three years ago the Boston Transportation Department began a speed hump pilot program in the Hyde Square area of Jamaica Plain. While the results of that study have not yet been released, Councillor Tobin said residents have told him that it is effective. “I can tell you anecdotally that it’s working,” he said.

Councillor Tobin said that he hopes that the signs will also make drivers better observe other rules of the road like yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, obeying “No Turn On Red” signs, and making sure that drivers don’t block intersections.

Councillor Tobin noted that the campaign was timed to coincide with the onset of Spring, when more adults and children are outside enjoying the weather. The campaign is expected to run until the end of June.

Anyone interested obtaining a sign can call Councillor Tobin’s office at (617) 635-4220 or e-mail john.tobin@cityofboston.gov.