Salem police issued 17 citations and towed two vehicles during a pedestrian safety operation near an elementary school and a youth program on the city's northeast side.
The Salem Police Traffic Unit ran the enforcement project Tuesday, Oct. 20, at two locations: Auburn Road NE near Auburn Elementary and Summer Street NE near the Boys and Girls Club, the Salem Police Department said on Instagram.
Officers made 29 traffic stops during the operation. Citations included violations for suspended licenses, driving without insurance and driving without a license. Two vehicles were towed under penalty provisions.
Officers also issued 36 warnings. The department's totals show more warnings than stops, suggesting some drivers received multiple warnings in a single stop.
Drivers who were stopped received informational pamphlets about their responsibilities at marked and unmarked crosswalks, the department said. The operation's stated goal was educating drivers about pedestrian safety.
The department said it often selects enforcement locations based on community feedback to address concerns during critical times such as school arrival hours.
Salem residents who want to flag traffic problems in their neighborhood have several options. The city's online reporting system accepts reports about general traffic problems and specific violations.
For traffic safety issues happening in real time or to report a collision with injuries, the Salem Police non-emergency line is 503-588-6123. The Salem Police Traffic Team can also be reached at 503-588-6293.
