The Ashland Police Department's traffic safety unit developed a program that utilizes technology to address citizen complaints of speeding. The A.C.U.T.E. (Addressing Citizen Complaints Utilizing Technology and Enforcement has been helpful since its inception in 2010. This program identifies areas here a speeding problem exists, educates the public about the posted speed limit, and, if necessary results in directed enforcement in that area.
In 2022, APD continued this program. The program consists of multiple phases that first determine if a speeding problem exists on a street, educates the public, and directed enforcement if the data meets the criteria set forth in the program. For a location to qualify for the ACUTE Program, it must have a posted speed of 35 mph or less. A speeding problem exists if the 85th percentile speed is 8 mph or more over speed limit. Also, a speeding problem exists if vehicles are travelling more than 15MPH above the posted speed limit based on volumes of traffic on the road way.
A. 0 - 5,000 vehicles: 5 vehicles more than 15MPH above the posted speed limit.
B. 5,001 - 10,000 vehicles: 10 vehicles more than 15MPH above the posted speed limit.
C. 10,001 or more: 20 vehicles more than 15MPH above the posted speed limit.
The ACUTE Program was deployed seven times during 2022 at the below locations.
Frances Road—Two (2) hours and Forty-Seven (47) minutes of enforcement was conducted resulting in one (1) traffic stop, and one (1) warning issued.
Thompson Street—Sixteen (16) hours and Fifty-eight (58) minutes of enforcement was conducted resulting in thirteen (13) traffic stops, four (4) summons, and ten (10) warnings issued.
Jamestown Road—Four (4) hours and eleven (11) minutes of enforcement was conducted resulting in three (3) traffic stops, and three (3) warnings issued.
North James Street- Nine (9) hours of enforcement was conducted resulting in one (1) traffic stop, and one (1) warning issued.
R.I.D.E. Initiative
The Ashland Police Department conducts Roadway & Intersection Directed Enforcement (R.I.D.E.).
Data collected in 2018 indicated an increase in motor vehicle crashes in Ashland, with a 32% increase in reportable crashes in the April to June period. Additionally, crashes involving injury increase 100% during that time.
In the past, the majority of crashes in Town occurred at three main intersections, however, crashes are now occurring more frequently at many of our less travelled intersections and on our residential roadways. Ashland police officers conduct increased, proactive traffic enforcement throughout Town, with a special emphasis on those violations most associated with vehicle crashes and injuries: driving under the influence of alcohol, and stop sign, traffic light, failure to yield and seat belt/child seat violations. In 2022, patrol officer dedicated 443 hours and 50 minutes to the directed enforcement efforts. The Ashland Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike and asks that you drive safely at all times. Residents with questions or traffic safety concerns may call 804-412-0600 or make a report on our website.