FALCONER – Falconer residents say they have growing concerns over the frequency of traffic violations on Central Avenue.

Village residents report excessive speeds on the road and drivers not following traffic signs, which residents say poses a risk to the heavy foot traffic present on the road.

During a recent Falconer Village Board meeting residents and trustees discussed the issues. Councilman Timothy Dunn acknowledged the clear increase in reckless traffic on the road, yet remained perplexed as to the reasoning for such traffic increases. Looking into the traffic patterns on the road were prompted by a letter from a Central Avenue resident who has noticed the increase. Residents present at the meeting supporting the letter’s observations. Residents also noted seeing individuals disrupting the established morning traffic patterns by turning incorrectly at the corner of Central Avenue and East James Street.

The traffic violations have increased concerns from residents who are not only concerned for their own safety, but also for the safety of the children who walk to and from Falconer Central School. A light was installed at East Avenue and Route 394 in 2018 after a rash of accidents near the school, including two students being hospitalized when they were struck by a car while walking near Falconer Middle-High School.

Village officials said they have previously installed directional signs, double stop signs and reflective strips on the stops signs, yet people seem to continue to ignore posted speeds and occasional stops. The letter from the resident asks for more stop signs, though Councilman Anthony Cavallaro noted that many of the chronic traffic violators are believed to be Central Avenue residents themselves, meaning the problem is not due to a lack of knowledge of the rules but simply a lack of willingness to follow them.

Board members said if willing to violate traffic rules by disobeying a posted speed, then what is to stop that person from continuing to violate more traffic laws such as continuing through a stop sign? Due to this, members of the board believe new efforts of better marking traffic rules, or making the intersection of Central Avenue and Mosher Street a four-way stop are unlikely to change drivers’ behavior.

Mayor James Jaroszynski, as well as other board members like Cavallaro, said the only way to better reduce these infractions is through dedicating police presence in the area, with Jaroszynski noting that he will contact Sgt. Kevin Pierce of the Ellicott Police department to have law enforcement stationed near the road.